The Ghana Shippers Authority is upbeat about the economic potential of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal.
Phase 1 of the project, which includes civil works, earthworks, road networks, drainage systems and container freight terminals is about 50 percent complete.
The over 330-million-dollar project was earlier projected to be ready by March this year.
When completed, it will serve as an extension to the Tema Port and facilitate transit trade between Ghana and its landlocked neighbouring countries.
CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong after assessing progress of work during an inspection said government will meet all deadlines.
“BILT is a key component of the government’s initiated Ghana Trade and Investment Gateway (GHATIG) Program, a crucial driver of economic progress and regional connectivity. Hence, this project holds immense significance for economic growth, to reduce port congestion costs, overall transportation costs, and drive regional trade facilitation for Ghana and its neighbouring Sahelian countries”.
He added that it will further establish Ghana’s leadership role, especially within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The proximity of the project to the recently completed Kumasi International Airport and Ghana’s sea port will further establish Ghana as the region’s premier multimodal transportation hub in West Africa and beyond.
This project, owned by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, with the support of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and the Ministry of Transport, is currently funded by the government of Ghana.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah who was part of the inspection exercise was satisfied with the progress of the ongoing construction and the quality of work executed so far.
He emphasized that despite the financial challenges the country faces, the government is committed to allocating the necessary funds to accelerate the progress of the project and meet all deadlines.
“Where BILT is located, we have the Ghana Free Zones Authority also having land here, as well as the Ashanti Industrial Park; but these things will not function properly without the logistics terminal,” he said. “I am pleased with the work done. The customised civil works, drains, culverts and bridges are the critical major works when it comes to this type of road construction. Once these are completed, the remaining work is simpler, and that is exactly what has been done here.”
