Bice Osei Kuffuor at Ghana Post: A legacy of transformation and empowerment

It's World Post Day, a day of profound significance as it marks the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), founded in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland. This year’s theme, “150 Years of Enabling Communication and Empowering Peoples Across Nations,” embodies the enduring commitment of the UPU to connect people and nations through the power of communication.

World Post Day, declared in 1969 by the UPU Congress in Tokyo, Japan, has since been celebrated annually by over 150 countries, including Ghana. The day presents an opportunity to reflect on the vital role postal services play in our everyday lives, from connecting loved ones to supporting businesses and communities. It is also a moment to celebrate the remarkable transformation of Ghana Post and its alignment with global postal trends of innovation, integration, and inclusion.

Ghana Post: A Journey of Transformation and Service

From its inception under colonial rule, Ghana Post has been a cornerstone of communication and commerce in our nation. Originally operating with heavily manual processes, it played a vital role despite the challenges of a rudimentary addressing system and the absence of digital tracking. Today, Ghana Post has embraced a digital-first approach, transforming itself into a modern, efficient, and customer-centric organisation.

The introduction of the Ghana Post Digital Addressing System has been revolutionary, providing every location in Ghana with a unique digital address. This has drastically improved delivery times and accuracy, making our postal services more efficient and reliable. The Enterprise Postal System (EPS) and International Postal System (IPS) have automated mail acceptance, processing, and tracking, allowing customers to monitor their parcels in real-time while enhancing our international collaborations. In recent years, Ghana Post has made significant strides in digital innovation within the African postal community.

Key milestones include:

The Ghana Post Digital Addressing System: This groundbreaking innovation has given every location in Ghana a unique digital address, revolutionizing mail delivery and enhancing accuracy. This system has significantly reduced delivery times and errors, making Ghana a pioneer in postal digitalization.

The Enterprise Postal System (EPS) and International Postal System (IPS): These systems have automated processes, enabling real-time tracking of parcels and improving transparency for customers. Our ability to instantly communicate with international postal administrations has streamlined operations, reduced delays, and bolstered global postal partnerships.

Revenue Growth:

Over the past few years, Ghana Post has experienced remarkable revenue growth, with a 40% increase in 2023 alone. This growth is a testament to the strategic focus on digitalization and modernization of our operations. The shift from traditional letter services to parcel and EMS delivery has significantly contributed to this success, with these services now accounting for over 70% of our revenue base.

Awards and Recognition:

Ghana Post has been recognized for its exceptional service delivery, receiving numerous awards, including the “Most Digitized Postal Service in Africa” by the UPU. These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Ghana Post team and the support of the government in driving innovation.

The Role of the Post in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, countries around the world, including Ghana, committed to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

The postal sector plays a crucial role in this global effort by providing essential infrastructure that supports economic growth and social inclusion. Ghana Post has aligned itself with these goals through initiatives such as digitalizing operations and expanding services to remote and underserved areas, ensuring that all Ghanaians have access to reliable postal services.

Celebrating Global Initiatives and Local Achievements

As part of the global postal community, Ghana Post participates in the UPU’s International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People, which promotes literacy and creativity among children. This year, participants are encouraged to write letters to future generations, reflecting on the world they hope to inherit. Such initiatives inspire young minds and emphasize the importance of communication as a tool for personal and societal growth.

Locally, we celebrate World Post Day with various activities, including philatelic exhibitions, open days at post offices, and the launch of innovative products like the Otumfuo Crypto Stamp. These events not only highlight our achievements but also engage the public and demonstrate the continuous evolution of our services.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Ghana Post

As we celebrate 150 years of the UPU, we are reminded that the journey of innovation and service does not end here. Ghana Post is committed to further integrating advanced technologies into its operations. The introduction of AI in postal services, the expansion of digital offerings, and the move towards a smart workplace are just a few of the initiatives we are undertaking to ensure that we remain at the forefront of the digital transformation of postal services.

Our vision is to build a postal service that is not only technologically advanced but also inclusive and accessible to all. By expanding our digital services and maintaining a strong presence across all regions, we aim to bridge the digital divide and provide all Ghanaians with the opportunity to benefit from our services.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Connection and Empowerment

The story of Ghana Post is one of resilience, adaptation, and forward-thinking. From its early days as a manual operation to its current status as a digital leader, Ghana Post has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of our society. As we look to the future, we are inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead and are determined to continue leading the way in postal services and digital transformation.

On this World Post Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to innovation, integration, and inclusion, ensuring that Ghana Post remains a vital part of our national infrastructure and a beacon of connection, empowerment and pride for all.

Thank you, and Happy World Post Day to all.