The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on government to prioritise the completion of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal, stressing its critical role in job creation for the youth.
Speaking during a high-level meeting at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that beyond direct employment opportunities, the project would stimulate economic activity across the Ashanti Region and the wider northern sector of the country.
“We are advanced in the project so far. The project is not only needed by the people of the Ashanti Region but the whole of the Northern sector of the country. This will create jobs. When the containers arrive here, a lot will be employed along the value chain of the industry,” he stated.
The Asantehene expressed concern over persistent delays, warning that any attempt to abandon the project would result in significant financial losses to the state.
“We have invested a lot of money in BILT. The Ghana Shippers Authority and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority have both contributed significantly. If we don’t find investment to complete it, then we have caused financial loss to the government,” he cautioned.
The remarks were made when a delegation from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, led by Board Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, paid a courtesy call on him. The delegation included the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, and representatives from Justmoh Construction.
Earlier, the team had inspected the project site to assess progress. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasised the need for government to explore internal funding options while efforts continue to attract strategic investors.
“Attracting serious investors depends largely on visible progress on site… without consistent funding and tangible improvement, it would be difficult to convince partners to inject fresh capital,” he added.
The Boankra Inland Port, a major dry port initiative, is designed to bring cargo handling services closer to central and northern Ghana. However, nearly two decades after its commencement, the project has missed several completion deadlines.
Recent assessments by consultants indicate that progress stands at about six percent, far below the projected 20 percent expected by April 2026, largely due to funding constraints.
Despite this, significant portions of the terminal infrastructure are nearing completion. The terminal area is about 98 percent complete, while the freight station, mechanical workshop, and bonded warehouse are at advanced stages.
According to Dr. J.B. Koranteng Yorke of Vision Consults, several components, including the interchange, have not commenced due to lack of funds, while the fire station is approximately 40 percent complete.
The funding challenges have also limited contractors’ capacity to operate at full scale, further delaying completion.
Addressing the Asantehene, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to completing the project, highlighting its importance to national revenue generation. He noted that funds invested so far had been used judiciously, with a significant portion allocated to groundwork preparation.
“We will have to do anything necessary to complete the project because it holds a lot of potential for national development,” he said.
He also touched on plans for railway connectivity to the terminal, acknowledging its importance but indicating that operations could begin using road transport while efforts are made to secure investment for rail infrastructure.
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