Funding shortfalls delay Boankra Integrated and Logistics Terminal – Regional Minister

Severe capital shortfalls have been identified as the major challenge delaying the completion of the Boankra Integrated and Logistics Terminal (BILT) in the Ashanti Region, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene has disclosed.

According to him, the government, through the Ministry of Finance, is developing a financial roadmap aimed at attracting investors and mobilising the funds required to complete the project.

Dr Amoakohene made the disclosure when the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) inspected the project site.

He said the government remained committed to finding the necessary funding to ensure the completion of the facility, which is expected to play an important role in Ghana’s trade and logistics sector.

“The government is prepared to explore every avenue to support this project,” he emphasised.

The minister explained that although BILT was not initially conceived as a state-funded project, government intervention had become necessary to protect investments already made and ensure that the facility was completed.

He said efforts were therefore underway to secure the capital needed to complete the first phase of the project.

First phase 65 percent complete
The first phase of the Boankra Integrated and Logistics Terminal is currently about 65 percent complete, with commercial operations expected to commence once the initial infrastructure is finished.

Dr Amoakohene said construction of the second phase would begin after the completion of the key facilities under the first phase.

He commended Justmoh Construction Limited, the lead contractor, for continuing work at the site despite the financial difficulties affecting the project.

The Chief Executive Officer of Justmoh Construction Limited, Dr Justice Amoh, confirmed that funding interruptions remained the biggest obstacle to completing the project within the expected timeframe.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers' Authority, Prof Ransford Edward Gyampo, welcomed the government's efforts to secure funding for the project.

He said construction would accelerate significantly once sustainable funding was secured.

Prof Gyampo further noted that upon completion, the facility would serve as an important trade and transit hub, facilitating the movement of freight from Ghana's coastal seaports to the middle and other parts of the country.