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Substance abuse at the Port GPHA warns casual workers
Mrs. Manu
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has moved to curb the abuse of drugs or substances among casual workers on its premises, warning culprits to stay away from the port when ‘high.’
This follows the Authority’s observation of the use of several energy enhancing drugs and substances to aid them to work for extra hours to boost their daily earnings.
According to the Deputy Corporate Planning Manager and the International Standards Organisation Coordinator of the Authority, Ms Frances Jemima Manu, the menace has come to the notice of GPHA and must be quick to nip it in the bud.
This came up on the sidelines of an occupational health, safety and environment policies sensitisation for staff and stakeholders on Friday.
Ms Manu said “the Authority had noted with serious concern the use of substances such as glue, green tea, and ‘momo’, cough mixture among others which they mixed with other illegal or harmful substances to give them extra energy for the day’s activities.”
She said“evenat the mere look at some of them one could tell all is not well with them even before they are tested.”
She explained that the illegal practice also compromises the health and safety of the users and other persons that work with them or conduct businesses at the port.
She said some of these people look ‘high’, and strange as if they want to ‘fly’ as a result of the excessive consumption of the substances which they sniff, inhale or consume through food and drinks.
“This is the reason the Authority wants to kick out the offenders tomake the place safe for all,” she said.
Some of these offenders, she explained, include drivers, their conductors and dock labour staff whose activities were supposed to support the work of the GPHA.
Ms Manu said to curb the situation, measures have been put in place to sanction all such persons who were found out to be engaged in the unhealthy practices.
She said apart from the individual punitive measures against the culprits, the organisation they workforwould also be dealt with to serve as a deterrent to others.
Ms Manu said the Authority has banned some individuals with their photographs displayed at the ports to alert all others that such persons were no more allowed into their premises.
She said some businesses risk not having their licences renewed or entirely withdrawn if their activities create inconvenience and compromise standards.
She cautioned all stakeholders to be responsible and take their health and safety seriously if they wished to continue to work with the GPHA.
She said the right of admission to the port was reserved and testing could be done randomly if a person was suspected to have used any harmful substance.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
