Ghana Publishing Company introduces 24-hour operations to address overstaffing, boost productivity

The Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL) has introduced a three-shift, 24-hour operational system to address overstaffing, improve productivity and strengthen its financial position.

Managing Director Nana Kwasi Boatey said the company inherited more than 250 employees when he assumed office in February 2025, despite its operational requirements indicating that approximately 150 workers were sufficient to execute its activities effectively. Rather than laying off about 100 employees, management opted to redistribute the workforce across three shifts under the government's 24-hour economy policy.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at Jubilee House on Monday, November 2, he said management developed a working document for the implementation of the system and commenced operations within three weeks, allowing the company to maximise the use of its machinery and available workforce.

Mr Boatey said the intervention had improved productivity, strengthened workplace discipline and enhanced service delivery.

He cited improvements in gazette processing, with regular applications now taking three weeks instead of eight weeks, while premium applications are processed within three days rather than one week.

The company has also introduced a 24-hour gazette service, allowing applicants to obtain publications in less than a day.

"In general, it can be said that the introduction of the 24-hour operations not only resolved the company's overstaffing problem, but also effectively rescued the company from its drowning liquidity challenges," he said.

He added that the expanded operational hours had enabled GPCL to secure major government printing assignments, including the national budget and the President's State of the Nation Address.