Government has reaffirmed its commitment to taking strategic steps to ensure the completion of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT), describing the project as a critical investment to strengthen Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector.
The terminal, formerly known as the Boankra Inland Port Project, remains a flagship component of the country’s transport and logistics development agenda, aimed at improving cargo handling, reducing turnaround time, and boosting regional trade.
Mr Prince Henry Ankrah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) in charge of Operations, made this known during a familiarisation tour of the project site by shippers and stakeholders from the Middle Zone.
The visit provided importers and exporters an opportunity to assess progress, interact with project managers, and offer recommendations for accelerating completion.
The terminal’s infrastructure includes bonded warehouses, Container Freight Stations, a terminal operating area, mechanical workshop, fire station, electricity sub-station and other supporting facilities designed to deliver efficient cargo processing and logistics services.
Mr Ankrah underscored the importance of the project, noting that its completion would significantly transform the national economy and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in the sub-region.
Briefing stakeholders, Dr John Koranteng-York, Project Director, said Phase One of the terminal was about 80 percent complete and approaching operational readiness.
He explained that once operational, BILT would drastically cut transportation costs by an estimated 14 percent for freight from the Takoradi Port and 48 percent for cargo from the Tema Port.
Dr Koranteng-York added that the terminal would serve the middle and northern parts of the country as well as neighbouring landlocked nations, while helping to decongest the major seaports.
He noted that the facility would eventually be linked to the national railway network, enabling more efficient cargo movement to the middle belt, northern Ghana and transit corridors.
The availability of steady cargo volumes, he said, would further enhance rail operations.
He explained that aspects of the project had been restructured to improve quality and delivery standards.
Mr John Baker Glover, Manager of the GSA Kumasi Branch, assured shippers in the middle belt that they would soon benefit from the terminal, stressing that the Authority remained committed to ensuring its completion.
Some shippers on the tour urged the government to engage additional contractors to speed up work on the project.
