The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has identified inadequate funding as a major factor delaying the completion of the Boankra Integrated and Logistics Terminal (BILT), popularly known as the Boankra Inland Port.
He said the financial challenges confronting the project had affected the pace of work, making it necessary for the government and other stakeholders to find a sustainable funding arrangement to ensure its completion.
Dr Amoakohene said the government, through the Ministry of Finance, was working to develop a roadmap that would bring all relevant stakeholders together to mobilise the resources required to fund the project.
He stressed that the project could not be abandoned because of its potential to contribute significantly to the economy, particularly in the areas of trade, logistics and transportation.
The Minister made the remarks when he led members of the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to inspect ongoing works at the project site.
He explained that the project was initially not among government-funded projects, but developments surrounding its implementation had made government intervention necessary.
He said the government was, therefore, prepared to explore ways of supporting the project to ensure that the investment already made did not go to waste and that the facility eventually served its intended purpose.
The first phase of the project, which is currently about 65 per cent complete, is expected to become operational once completed, while work on the second phase will subsequently begin.
Dr Amoakohene expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far and commended Justmoh Construction Limited, the contractor working on the project, for its efforts despite the funding constraints.
The Boankra Integrated and Logistics Terminal is expected to serve as a major inland trade and logistics facility, providing an important link between the middle belt of the country and Ghana’s seaports.
The Chief Executive Officer of Justmoh Construction Limited, Dr Justice Amoh, also identified funding as the major challenge affecting the project.
He disclosed that the project had not received funding for some time, a situation he said had contributed significantly to the delays.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof. Ransford Edward Gyampo, said the project would have progressed further if the contractor had the necessary funds.
He expressed optimism that the government would mobilise the resources needed to support the completion of the project.
BY TIMES REPORTER
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