I inherited ‘overstaffing’ problem with 250 employees doing work that 150 people could do – Boatey

In an Official Facebook Post on 2 November 2026, prominent political figure Felix Kwakye Ofosu shared insights from the Managing Director of the Ghana Publishing Company Limited, Nana Kwesi Boatey, regarding strategic institutional reforms. The disclosure highlights how the state-owned publishing firm successfully resolved severe overstaffing and liquidity crises through innovative operational restructuring rather than resorting to job cuts.

According to the details shared by Kwakye Ofosu, Boatey assumed office in February 2025 and immediately confronted a major structural deficit: a bloated workforce of 250 employees handling tasks that could be efficiently executed by a staff of 150. This heavy personnel surplus imposed severe financial constraints and liquidity challenges on the company’s daily operations.

Rather than implementing harsh retrenchment exercises or laying off workers, management introduced a comprehensive 24-hour operational shift system. The newly designed schedule redistributed labor across expanded production windows—specifically structured from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. This round-the-clock approach optimized machinery utilization, significantly increased output, and redefined internal workplace culture by enforcing strict operational discipline and accountability.

The commentary touches upon broader national conversations surrounding public sector productivity, institutional management, and state enterprise reform in Ghana. State-owned entities have historically faced criticisms regarding workforce inefficiencies, bureaucracy, and financial dependency on the central government.

Observers note that Boatey’s approach provides a practical model for public enterprise administration. By maximizing existing human resources through shift diversification instead of adding to national unemployment figures, the management of Ghana Publishing Company demonstrated how state institutions can turn operational challenges into productivity gains.

At its core, the statement underscores the value of innovative management and administrative resilience in the public sector. Kwakye Ofosu’s post highlights that strategic problem-solving can rescue struggling state entities while safeguarding worker livelihoods.

The Facebook post has drawn positive engagement across social media networks, economic policy forums, and labor discussions. While public sector analysts commended the innovative shift model, workers and business commentators praised management for prioritizing institutional growth and job retention over mass downsizing.

Source: Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Official Facebook Post, 2 November 2026