First phase of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) project—previously Boankra Inland Port–which includes civil and earthworks, road networks, drainage systems, container freight terminals, container handling facilities, and other critical infrastructure is 50percent complete.
The other half of works will comprise the construction of the superstructure and terminal bay accordingly, as disclosed by the project director during a recent tour of the site by the Ashanti regional minister, Simon Osei Mensah.
The BILT project, owned by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), with the support of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and the transport ministry, is currently funded by the government.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and the quality of work executed so far and pledged funding support from the government to ensure that the project meets all estimated 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,” he commended.
CEO of Shippers’ Authority, Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, remarked that the project, which is a key component of government’s initiated Ghana Trade Investment Gateway Program (GHATIG), has been marked by milestones and challenges, but assured of its timely completion.
“BILT is a crucial driver of economic progress and regional connectivity; hence, this project holds immense significance for economic growth, reducing port congestion costs and overall transportation costs, as well as drive regional trade facilitation for Ghana’s neighboring Sahelian countries,” he indicated.
He added that it will further establish Ghana’s leadership role especially within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and as the sub-region’s premier multimodal transportation hub.