By Elizabeth PUNSU, Manhyia, Kumasi
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has issued a strong appeal to the government and stakeholders to accelerate work on the Boankra Inland Port project.
He has further warned that continued delays risk squandering public resources and eroding investor confidence in Ghana’s infrastructure drive.
Speaking at the Manhyia Palace during a courtesy call by a delegation from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), led by Board Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the Asantehene expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of progress and urged the Shippers Authority and GPHA to treat the terminal with renewed urgency.
He stressed that abandoning the project at this stage would amount to a massive waste of taxpayer funds. At the same time, the absence of visible progress on the site makes it difficult to attract serious investors.
Otumfuo underscored that the port is not only a logistics hub but also a vital engine for youth employment and a magnet for both local and foreign direct investment.
The Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal, strategically located near Kumasi, is designed to serve as a critical dry port, easing congestion at Tema Harbour, improving efficiency in the inland transport of goods, and reducing logistics costs for businesses operating outside the coastal regions.
Its completion is expected to facilitate trade flows to northern Ghana and neighbouring landlocked countries, positioning it as a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic transformation. Otumfuo emphasised that investor confidence hinges on tangible improvement and steady construction, cautioning that without consistent funding, partners will be reluctant to inject fresh capital.
Responding to the concerns, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah assured Otumfuo that the GPHA board is proactive and has observed recent improvements in construction activity. He explained that the execution strategy has been adjusted to prioritise core infrastructure, ensuring the port becomes operational as soon as possible.
While acknowledging the importance of the railway link, he noted that its high funding requirements could stall the entire project if pursued simultaneously.
As an interim measure, cargo will be moved by road once the main terminal facilities are completed, with the government continuing to seek targeted investment for the rail component.
With local expertise such as Justmoh Construction Limited engaged, the project remains positioned to become a pillar of West African trade, provided the current momentum is sustained, and the urgency demanded by the Asantehene is matched by action.
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