Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Urges Renewed Efforts to Complete Boankra Integrated Inland Port

Key Takeaways

• The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for renewed efforts to secure funding for the completion of the Boankra Integrated Inland Port.
• The project is crucial for improving inland cargo transportation and reducing pressure on Ghana's road network.
• Otumfuo urged the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to revisit previous arrangements for financial support and consider converting it into shares in the project.
• The Asantehene pledged to engage the government and advocate for necessary approvals and directives to facilitate the release of funds for the project.

The Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) Governing Board, led by Chairman Mike Hammah, paid a courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace to draw attention to the long-delayed project.

The delegation appealed for continued support from the Asantehene to secure the government's commitment towards completing at least the first phase and making it operational.

Background & Context

The Boankra Integrated Inland Port is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving inland cargo transportation and reducing pressure on Ghana's road network. The project has been delayed for several years, and its completion is crucial for the country's economic growth.

The project is expected to serve as an inland logistics hub for cargo, particularly transit trade, while creating opportunities for businesses and employment along the logistics value chain. The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has a critical role to play in the project's completion, and Otumfuo's call for renewed efforts is a timely reminder of the importance of this project.

Key Findings

Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, emphasized the project's importance in reducing pressure on Ghana's road network. He urged Otumfuo to continue advocating for the necessary government support to ensure the project's completion.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II proposed that any financial support from the GPHA could be converted into shares in the project, urging the two institutions to engage and agree on a workable arrangement to unlock the funds needed for construction.

Broad Implications

The completion of the Boankra Integrated Inland Port has significant implications for Ghana's economy. It is expected to ease congestion on Ghana's roads, support transit trade, and generate employment. The project's success will also have a positive impact on the country's trade and logistics sector.

Otumfuo's call for renewed efforts to complete the project is a welcome development, and it is hoped that the necessary approvals and directives will be secured to facilitate the release of funds for the project.

Looking Ahead

The GSA Governing Board's efforts to introduce itself to the Asantehene and discuss strategic issues affecting Ghana's trade and logistics sector are a positive step towards the project's completion. The engagement between Otumfuo and the GPHA will be crucial in unlocking the funds needed for construction.

It is expected that the project will be completed and commissioned soon, and its potential to ease congestion on Ghana's roads, support transit trade, and generate employment will be fulfilled.