By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
The Acting Managing Director of the Ghana Publishing Company Limited, Nana Kwasi Boatey has stated its 24-hour shift system implementation to improve efficiency and reduce delays in publishing government documents.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show on February 24, 2025, the Acting Managing Director, expressed concerns about the long processing times despite the availability of modern equipment and a capable workforce.
“On my first day, which was a week ago today, when I went there, I was surely looking at the machines they have, looking at the staff that they have—that they should be running a shift system,” Nana Kwasi Boatey stated. “I have always been worried about how long some of the processes take.”
He highlighted the example of a gazette publication, which traditionally takes between six to seven weeks to complete. He believes that with a double-shift system, this waiting time could be reduced to three to four weeks, significantly improving turnaround times for critical government publications.
He noted that even before assuming office, he had planned to propose the shift system, recognizing its feasibility. “It was my plan that if it was feasible, we would do it even before I got there,” he said.
He also emphasized that his proposal aligns with the President’s vision of a 24-hour economy, though he had intended to implement it regardless of that broader policy. “Publishing houses around the world, especially in Ghana, do a shift system to maximize production time. They have everything they need. So even without that vision, I was really going to pitch it,” he explained.
Discussing recruitment and the state of affairs at Ghana Publishing Company Limited, Lawyer Nana Kwasi Boatey acknowledged that while the establishment is 60 years old, it is relatively modern compared to many other government institutions. “Ghana Publishing is a relatively modern establishment because they have acquired some very modern equipment—two-color and five-color pita machines, among others,” he stated.
However, he noted that many staff members have less to do than they should. “In order to not add onto the payroll until we are able to produce more and get more work, we are focusing on improving productivity,” he explained. Instead of hiring more workers immediately, the goal is to maximize the efficiency of the existing workforce by ensuring that everyone is fully occupied.
The CEO stressed the importance of efficiency in making Ghana Publishing more competitive. “If you have a state institution taking six weeks to complete work, urgent jobs will go to private institutions that can deliver overnight. But with a shift system, if someone leaves work at five, another person will take over and continue, ensuring completion by the next morning,” he said.
This approach aims to enhance productivity, reduce waiting times, attract more business, and ultimately make Ghana Publishing a more viable option for government and private sector clients.
The proposal has been well received by the company’s staff and stakeholders. “I met the staff, we met the various stakeholders, and everybody is very excited about it,” he concluded.
The move is expected to boost efficiency in government publishing services, ensuring timely release of official documents and contributing to the broader economic goals of the country.
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