Boankra Inland Port key driver of Ghana’s economic transformation – Johnson Asiedu Nketia

The Board Chairman of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has described the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal as a transformative project capable of redefining Ghana’s economic trajectory.

He said the inland port initiative represents a critical shift in how the country manages trade and logistics.

Speaking during a high-level inspection tour at the project site in the Ejisu Constituency, Mr Nketiah stressed that the Boankra project is no longer optional but essential for Ghana’s competitiveness in the global market.

He noted that modern economies thrive on efficient logistics systems, which the terminal is designed to provide.

Mr Nketiah led a joint delegation that included officials from the Ghana Shippers Authority to assess the progress of work.

The visit focused on evaluating whether the project is on track to meet its revised timelines and strategic objectives.

According to him, Ghana must move beyond traditional economic models to remain relevant in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

“We cannot rely solely on coastal ports when inland logistics can significantly enhance efficiency and competitiveness,” he said.

He highlighted that relocating cargo processing inland would ease congestion at the country’s seaports while improving turnaround times.

He added that the project would decentralize maritime services, bringing them closer to businesses in the Ashanti Region and beyond.

Mr Nketiah explained that the inland port would serve not only middle and northern Ghana but also landlocked neighboring countries, positioning Ghana as a preferred transit corridor in West Africa.

“This is how we reduce cost and time in moving goods across the sub-region,” he stated.

The delegation inspected key infrastructure at the site, including the container terminal and the container freight station.

Mr Nketiah expressed satisfaction with the quality of work carried out by Justmoh Construction Limited but emphasized that completion remains the ultimate priority.

“The ultimate goal is completion, the benefits of this project can only be realised when it is fully functional,” he said.

He reiterated that the terminal is a “game-changer” that will fundamentally reshape Ghana’s trade architecture.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Ransford Edward Gyampo, also underscored the importance of the project.

He noted that the Boankra terminal is crucial for positioning Ghana as a leading transit hub in the West African sub-region.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Justmoh Construction Limited, Dr Justice Amoh, the construction firm, appealed for urgent financial support to sustain the pace of work.

“Timely financial injections are required to scale up operations,” he said, warning that delays in funding could affect delivery timelines.

Providing a technical update, the project consultant, Dr John Bernard Koranteng Yorke, reported significant progress across key phases.

He said major structural works have been largely completed, with installations progressing steadily under strict engineering and safety supervision.

He added that despite earlier logistical and funding challenges, improved coordination among stakeholders has restored momentum, placing the project on a firmer path toward completion.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah