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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She said some businesses risk not having their licences renewed or entirely withdrawn if their activities create inconvenience and compromise standards.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 Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, says he and his deputy have publicly filed their annual tax returns to demonstrate leadership and encourage compliance among citizens.
In a facebook post, he explained that the move was meant to show that public officials must lead by example when it comes to fulfilling civic duties.
“Leadership must be demonstrated, not declared,” he said.
He commended Ghanaian taxpayers for their continued contribution to national development, noting that tax compliance plays a key role in sustaining government activities.
According to him, paying taxes is both a legal and moral responsibility. He stressed that all citizens, including public officials, professionals, and businesses, are equal before the law and must meet their tax obligations.
He added that tax revenue is essential for funding key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
The minister praised the Ghana Revenue Authority for its work, especially during the ongoing Tax and Good Governance Month in April. He said the initiative helps to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance.
He urged the authority to intensify public education and continue reforms aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing compliance costs, and improving transparency.
He further encouraged individuals and businesses that are yet to file their returns to do so promptly, adding that support systems and digital platforms are available to assist them.
He said building a strong tax culture would strengthen the country’s economy, improve accountability, and promote fairness in society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
