Dr. Justice Amo, Chief Executive of Justmoh Construction Limited, the contractors working on the project, has announced that phase one is expected to be completed by the first quarter of this year.
He revealed that phase one of the project includes a storage facility, a security zone, roads, and a terminal, adding that this phase will be operational upon completion.
The project is expected to be completed in two phases, with phase two scheduled for completion by 2026.
In an interview with the media, Dr. Amo appealed to the NDC government, led by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, to support the project and fast-track its completion.
He also praised the Asantehene for his tremendous efforts in supporting the development of the project. Dr. Amo acknowledged the significant role the Asantehene has played in ensuring the project’s success.
Located in the Ashanti Region, the Boankra Inland Port project was initiated to provide services to importers and exporters in the middle and northern parts of the country. The project also aims to serve as a major conduit for the efficient transportation of transit traffic to and from neighboring countries.
The project has been on the drawing board since the government of former President John Agyekum Kufuor. However, it encountered several challenges, including the exit of the NPP government in 2009. Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the construction of the port on November 5, 2020.
The project’s completion will also enhance Ghana’s position as a major player in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Former President Akufo-Addo has emphasized the importance of the project in ensuring Ghana derives maximum benefits from the AfCFTA.
Dr. J.B. Koranteng Yorke, the Project Director for the Boankra Inland Project, highlighted the importance of the project in reducing traffic congestion and accidents on the Accra-Kumasi highway. He revealed that the team has designed an interchange to address these concerns.
Ing. Jarra Siddique, the Project Manager of Justmoh Construction Limited, disclosed that phase one of the project is currently 78% complete. The team is working on the terminal, alongside offices for the fire station, fuel station, government agency offices, and other facilities.
As phase one of the project nears completion, residents of Boankra and its surrounding communities have expressed happiness over the speed at which the project is progressing.
They added that, although the project is not yet complete, the construction process has provided job opportunities for unemployed youth, indicating a brighter future for the communities.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
