The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has addressed mounting public interest and commentary surrounding the recent decision to reverse certain staff promotions within the institution.In a statement dated August 1, 2025 and signed by the Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Dr Kingsley Antwi-Boasiako, the Authority explained the rationale behind the move, citing a commitment to fairness, transparency and institutional integrity.According to the statement, the decision followed a series of formal petitions submitted to the Acting Director General, Brigadier General Paul SeiduTanye-Kulono, which raised serious concerns about irregularities in a number of recent staff promotions.In response, the Director General commissioned a special investigative committee to review the promotions thoroughly on a case-by-case basis.The committee's findings revealed widespread breaches of GPHA's established promotion policy.
Notably, there were instances where some individuals were promoted multiple times within a single year, an anomaly that contradicted standard policy.Meanwhile, several qualified and deserving staff members were reportedly overlooked, raising concerns about equity and procedural justice within the Authority.Management described these discrepancies as detrimental to staff morale and inconsistent with the principles of fairness and meritocracy that the Authority upholds.In light of these findings, and following extensive consultations, the Director General directed that all promotions found to be in violation of policy be annulled."This decision was taken with the utmost sensitivity, fairness, and objectivity it deserves," the statement noted. "It is guided by the broader interest of Ghanaians and aligns with the Reset Agenda, which seeks to restore discipline, accountability, and integrity in public sector institutions."In addition to policy violations, the GPHA also cited financial sustainability concerns.
The cumulative financial burden of the unjustified promotions was described as a threat to the Authority's long-term fiscal health.Management emphasised that reversing the promotions was a strategic corrective step, not a punitive measure."This is not a punitive exercise," the statement stressed. "Rather, it is aimed at strengthening the integrity of the Authority and ensuring that all employees are treated equitably, with career advancement based strictly on merit and performance."To address potential concerns among affected staff, the Director General has instituted mechanisms for redress, ensuring that individuals with genuine grievances have a formal channel through which to seek clarification or appeal decisions.GPHA expressed confidence that these reforms will ultimately enhance staff confidence and position the Authority as a performance-driven institution dedicated to professionalism and good governance.