The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) says its commitment to gender inclusion is yielding results, with more women taking up technical and operational roles traditionally dominated by men within the port industry.
According to Madam Abena Serwaa Opoku Fosu, Marketing and Public Affairs Manager of the Port of Tema, deliberate policies introduced by the authority have created equal opportunities for women in recruitment, training and career advancement.
Speaking at a GPHA-sponsored media forum, Madam Opoku Fosu said the authority’s gender policy has encouraged greater female participation across various operational departments, leading to a notable increase in women working in technical and logistics-related positions.
She revealed that women are now serving as security officers, firefighters, crane operators and marine professionals, reflecting a gradual shift in the industry’s workforce composition.
Madam Opoku Fosu, who also serves as National President of the Network for Professional Women in Maritime and Port Sectors in West and Central Africa, noted that management continues to invest in mentorship programmes, leadership development initiatives and professional networking opportunities to support the growth of women within the organisation.
She stressed that gender diversity enhances innovation, strengthens teamwork and improves decision-making, making it an important component of organisational success.
The maritime professional further urged employers across the sector to focus on competence and merit, while creating equal opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the maritime and port industry.
