Unveiling the Synergy between Infrastructure Development, Port Policies, and Leadership Commitment for Operational Performance

This study investigates the interplay between port policies, infrastructure development, and leadership commitment in shaping operational performance within Ghana’s major seaports. Drawing on the resource-based view, the research examines how regulatory frameworks, infrastructure expansion, and leadership engagement collectively influence key performance indicators such as cargo throughput, vessel turnaround time, and customer satisfaction. Using a cross-sectional survey of 384 industry stakeholders and structural equation modeling (SEM), the findings reveal that port policies, infrastructure development, and leadership commitment significantly enhance operational performance, with leadership commitment exerting the strongest effect. Moreover, moderation analysis demonstrates that leadership commitment amplifies the positive impact of both port policies and infrastructure on performance outcomes. These results underscore the pivotal role of leadership as a catalyst in maximizing the benefits of policy reforms and infrastructural investments. The study contributes to port management literature by highlighting the synergistic relationship among policies, infrastructure, and leadership, while offering practical insights for policymakers and managers on fostering sustainable and competitive port operations.