Otumfuo flanked by Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, Dr. Justice Amoh and others
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has raised fresh concern over the future of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (Boankra Inland Port), warning that abandoning the project at this stage would come at a heavy cost to the country.
Speaking at the Manhyia Palace, he made it clear that too much has already been invested for the country to simply walk away now.
According to him, neglecting the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal would not only waste public funds but also damage Ghana’s credibility in the eyes of investors.
The Asantehene’s remarks came to light when a delegation from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority paid a courtesy call on him.
The team was led by its Board Chairman, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who briefed the King on the current status of the project.
The visit provided an opportunity to discuss progress made so far and the steps being taken to push the project toward completion. The Asantehene urged all institutions involved to show renewed urgency and treat the project as a national priority rather than just another stalled initiative.
In his view, one of the biggest challenges remains funding, and he called on key stakeholders to step up efforts to mobilise the needed resources.
He specifically pointed to the roles of the Ghana Shippers Authority and the Ports and Harbours Authority, insisting they must take the lead in driving the process forward.
Otumfuo stressed that investors are watching closely and are more likely to commit when they see real progress on the ground. Without visible activity and a clear financing plan, he warned, it would be difficult to attract serious investment into the project.
He also highlighted the broader importance of the Boankra Inland Port to Ghana’s economic ambitions. Beyond infrastructure, he said, the project holds real potential for job creation, especially for young people. It could also serve as a major attraction for both local and international investors looking for opportunities in logistics and trade.
Another key benefit, he noted, is its ability to reduce pressure on the Tema Harbour, which continues to struggle with increasing cargo volumes.
A functioning inland port at Boankra would allow goods to be moved inland for processing and distribution, easing congestion at the coast. Such a system would improve efficiency across the country’s entire transport and logistics chain.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Nketia assured Otumfuo that the board remains committed to completing the project.
He said there has been some noticeable progress at the site since his last visit, and efforts are ongoing to keep things moving. He also revealed that discussions are underway with potential investors to secure the financial backing needed to finish the project.
However, he indicated that some parts of the project, particularly the railway link, may not be completed at the same time as the main facility.
According to him, the rail component requires significant funding and could slow down the entire project if pursued simultaneously. For now, he explained, the focus will be on completing the core infrastructure to make the inland port operational as soon as possible.
He added that cargo can initially be transported by road while plans for the railway connection continue. Delaying the entire project just to wait for the railway, he cautioned, would only drag things out unnecessarily.
The Boankra Inland Port, located near Kumasi, is designed to serve as a major dry port for central and northern Ghana. Once completed, it is expected to ease congestion at the ports, lower transport costs, and improve trade, especially with landlocked neighbouring countries.
There is also optimism that with government backing and the involvement of companies like Justmoh Construction Limited, the project can finally be delivered.
A Daily Guide Report