…As Wholesale Promotions Probe Sparks Anxiety
A sweeping probe into irregular staff promotions at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has sparked widespread fear and uncertainty among employees, particularly the beneficiaries of the controversial elevations.
The committee tasked with investigating the matter has completed its findings, and those under scrutiny now await the outcome with anxiety.
The investigation stems from a directive issued by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, during a recent visit to the Authority.
The Minister directed the Director-General of GPHA, Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, to thoroughly examine claims of politically motivated and unjustifiable promotions within the Authority.
Mr. Nikpe emphasized that promotions within the GPHA must be based strictly on merit, competence, and fairness—not political affiliations or influence.
“The port is a commercial hub, and decisions, particularly those concerning human resources, must reflect professionalism and efficiency,” he stated. “Promotions should be earned and not handed out as political favours.”
He further stressed that restoring transparency and accountability in the Authority’s promotion processes is crucial to maintaining its credibility and operational integrity.
Mr. Nikpe reiterated his disapproval of so-called “political promotions” and made it clear that any unjust advancements uncovered by the probe must be reversed.
“The President is right to describe Ghana as a crime scene. When an employee is promoted three times in a single year while others have waited a decade with no progress, it constitutes an unfair labour practice,” the Minister said.
In response, Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono acknowledged the systemic inequities in GPHA’s promotion practices.
“There is no equity when it comes to promotions. I’ve discovered what are termed ‘protocol promotions,’ where certain individuals are promoted multiple times annually, while others stagnate,” he revealed.
