Boankra project 50% complete – Dr York
The first phase of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) project is about 50 percent complete, the Project consultant, Dr John York has disclosed.
The project includes civil works, earthworks, road networks, drainage systems, container freight terminals, container handling facilities, bonded warehouses, Admin and operations.
The remaining 50 percent will comprise the superstructure and the terminal bay.
Dr York made the disclosure during a tour of the facility by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah.
The project, owned by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), with the support of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and the Ministry of Transport, is currently funded by the government of Ghana.
The Minister was taken on a detailed tour of the site using the projects impressively crafted road network system to witness the locations for the customs-bonded warehouses, Container Freight Station (CFS), truck park, fire and police stations, commercial area, admin block, and associated infrastructure.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Board Chair of GSA, Ms. Stella Wilson, Board Member of GSA, Dr. Kwabena Asamoah Adam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GSA, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, Municipal Chief Executive for Ejisu, Samuel Oduro Frimpong, Project Director, Dr. Aron Adade, Technical Adviser at the Ministry of Transport, Tsumasi Ankrah Selby, and some officials of security agencies and the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council.
CEO of GSA, Mr noted that the journey had been marked by milestones and challenges, but government’s commitment to realizing the vision of the BILT remained resolute.
He said, “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, reduce port congestion costs, overall transportation costs, and drive regional trade facilitation for Ghana 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 has the regions premier multimodal transportation hub in West Africa & Beyond.
After the tour, the regional minister expressed satisfaction with the progress 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. The customized 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. The most difficult work has been completed, and we are hopeful that the remaining tasks will be finished in due time.” The Board Chair of GSA, Stella Wilson, was grateful that the minister visited the site and assured him of the full commitment of the GSA to ensure that the project enhances
