The General Manager in-charge of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Mrs. Esther Gyebi-Donkor has emerged as the Best Woman in Strategic Project Management, Maritime and Ports Sector, at the 7th Edition of the African Ports Awards held in Lagos, Nigeria, on Thursday, November 9, 2023.

This a special award reserved for distinguished members of the Network of Professional Women in the Maritime and Port Sectors of West and Central Africa.
Mrs. Gyebi-Donkor is credited with significantly contributing to the smooth implementation of the Paperless Port System in the Ports of Ghana, having been appointed a member of the National Committee for the Paperless Port Project and serving concurrently as the leader of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority’s team, tasked with the implementation of the system, when the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia challenged and directed the ports to migrate from manual processes.

She is reputed to have earned the tag, ‘Madam Paperless’ from the Port Community, having exhibited and demonstrated a high sense of commitment and dedication and shown class in her leadership qualities, resulting in the successful implementation of the paperless port system, within two months, to the admiration of all.

Mrs. Gyebi-Donkor is also credited as the first female Terminal Manager in the annals of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, having served as Manager for the Golden Jubilee Terminal, the biggest then, in the Port of Tema. It was during her time at the Terminal that the Port of Tema was adjudged the best managed Port in West and Central Africa at the maiden edition of the African Ports Awards ceremony. Among the criteria used for the selection were Ship turnaround time or how cargoes were discharged from ships or loaded at ports, how fast and efficient containers were handled at the port and measures taken to ensure safety of ships, personnel, and cargo.

The quintessential, affable and hardworking Mrs. Esther Gyebi-Donkor has served as President of the Network for professional Women in the Maritime and Port Sectors of West and Central Africa from 2013 to 2017 after being the Vice President of the same Network from 2010 to 2012. She is currently an advisor of the Network. During her tenure, the Network received an award from the President of the government of the Canarias Island, His excellency Mr. Paulino Rivero Baute in 2014 in Las Palmas.

She formed the Ghana chapter of the Network in July 2023 and already have eighty (80) members.

In October, 2023, Mrs. Gyebi-Donkor again was honoured and received an award at the 10th African Spanish Maritime Port Women’s Conference in Las Palmas, in recognition of her pioneering role in the industry, especially in the Network for professional Women in the Maritime and Port Sectors of West and Central Africa.

Again in October, 2023, Mama 1 as she is affectionately called by both her colleagues and subordinates, received recognition from Ghana’s foremost Maritime Training institution, the Regional Maritime University, for her contribution to the Maritime Industry. A citation presented to her read “As the General Manager for Marketing and Corporate Affairs of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, your devoted service has been outstanding. You are a highly dependable and experienced Administrator who demonstrates excellence in the efficiency and quality of work.

You readily take up assignments without hesitation. Your exemplary leadership, humility and great administrative prowess have been attested to by your peers.
The University values your dedication, passion and commitment to work and contributions towards the development and progress of the Maritime Industry.”
At the 7th African Ports Awards, the Director-General of GPHA, Mr. Michael Luguje received a special incentive award.

GPHA won the award for best Port in Integrated Management System Policy, while the port of Tema won the award for best port in import and export and Container Traffic.