The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Sampson Asaki Awingobit, has commended the implementation of the government’s 24-hour economy policy at Ghana’s ports, saying the initiative has significantly improved port operations and reduced delays for importers.
According to him, the introduction of round-the-clock operations has brought an end to the situation where importers and clearing agents were unable to process their transactions or take delivery of their goods after the normal working hours.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Morning Show on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in Accra, Sampson Asaki Awingobit said the difference between the previous system and the current 24-hour arrangement is clear.
He recalled that before the implementation of the policy, port users who attempted to undertake transactions after 4:00 p.m. were often told that the relevant offices and service providers had closed.
«“If you had gone to GPHA before the 24-hour was announced at 4:30 p.m., they would have told you that we have closed. If you had gone to Reefer at 4 o’clock to say I’m coming to take my [container], they would have told you that we have closed. If you had gone to the shipping line at 4:30, they would have told you we have closed.”»
He explained that the situation has now changed, as importers and other port users can continue with their documentation, customs processes and container-related activities beyond the traditional working hours.
“Today it is 24-hour. Shipping lines have to come to work. They have to work both night and day. Customs has to work,” he said.
Mr. Awingobit noted that the continuous operation of the various agencies and service providers is important because delays at one stage of the clearing process can affect the entire process and eventually increase the cost of doing business.
He said the 24-hour arrangement therefore provides importers with greater flexibility to complete transactions at night rather than waiting until the following working day.
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) officially rolled out full 24-hour operations at the Tema and Takoradi Ports on July 1, 2025, as part of the implementation of President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy.
The arrangement extended round-the-clock operations to key port facilities, including Terminal 2, Transit, Reefer and the Golden Jubilee Terminal, complementing ship-side operations that were already running on a 24-hour basis.
The policy is intended to improve efficiency, reduce congestion and shorten the time goods remain at the ports.
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority has also indicated that the implementation of the 24-hour port operations has contributed to improved turnaround time and reduced dwell time, with potential benefits for importers through lower demurrage and related costs.
For Mr. Awingobit, the ability of shipping lines, Customs and other port-related service providers to operate continuously is essential to making the policy effective and ensuring that the benefits of the 24-hour economy are felt across the import and export sector.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah, Ahotoronline, Accra.