GPHA BOARD TOURS BOANKRA INLAND PORT PROJECT
The Board of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), led by its Chairman, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has toured the Boankra Inland Port Project in the Ashanti Region to assess its current state and explore pathways to full operationalisation.
During the visit, Board Members were briefed on the project, which is designed to link the Tema and Takoradi seaports to Ghana’s interior and landlocked neighbouring countries.
Speaking after the inspection, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah reaffirmed government’s commitment to the Boankra project, describing it as a critical national asset that must not be abandoned.
He said the inland port, once completed, will bring immense economic benefits, including revenue generation, job creation and enhanced trade for Ghana and neighbouring Sahelian countries.
Mr. Asiedu Nketiah explained that the Boankra Inland Port is strategically positioned to serve landlocked Sahelian countries and will become a major cargo hub once operational.
He further noted that upon assuming office, the new GPHA Board raised concerns about the project’s mandate, given the significant public funds already invested. This, he said, informed the decision to tour the facility for firsthand assessment.
Addressing concerns that the absence of a rail line could render the project a “white elephant,” the Chairman explained that guaranteed bulk cargo is needed to attract private rail investment. He proposed a phased approach, starting operations with road transport to demonstrate commercial viability and attract rail investors.
In a related development, the GPHA Board paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to brief him on observations from the site visit and ongoing efforts to accelerate the project.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II welcomed the delegation and commended GPHA for its commitment to infrastructure development to boost trade and economic growth. He underscored the strategic importance of the Boankra Inland Port to the Ashanti Region and the northern sector, urging stakeholders to ensure its timely completion.
Source : GPHA
