The Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Ports Services Limited, Isaac Afum, who also doubles as the concessionaire of the Boankra Inland Port in the Ashanti Region, has commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his support and confidence in picking a local concessionaire for the development of the Boankra Inland Port.
Mr Afum extended same gratitude to the Minister of Transport and the Ghana Shippers Authority for their continuous support. He also thanked the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his role, advice, and unflinching support to the progress of the project.
This follows a tour of the facility by officials of Ashanti Ports Services Limited as part of inspection on progress of work on the project.
According to reports, work on the much talked-about project is gradually taking shape as the sub-contractor on site, Justmoh Construction Limited, works round the clock to complete various construction works.
Currently, the contractor is making progress with the construction of drainage and other earthworks as well as leveling the ground for the terminal and commercial area.
It will be recalled that early this year, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority bought shares in the project and is now a shareholder in the project.
Mr. Afum, after leading officials on the tour, was impressed with the progress and quality of work done at that stage.
According to him, the contractor was within schedule and that they expect work to be completed and commissioned by next year, November, barring any challenges.
To ensure the timely completion of the project, he said plans are far advanced to bring on board two different contractors on site to augment the existing one.
He further told journalists that additional funding for the project has been secured as Africa Export-Import Bank (Afeximbank) was committing some $280 million into the project, adding that another financier from Italy is also supporting it with an additional $100 million.
The contract for the commencement of work on the project was awarded in November 2020, after President Akufo-Addo had cut sod for the project, which had stalled for many years.
Mr. Afum was optimistic that the completion of the project would not only boost business opportunities in the Region but also create jobs for the masses, especially youth, through direct and indirect employment.
The Project Manager of the Boankra Inland Port, Jarrar Saddique, briefed the media about the progress of work.
The Board Chairman of Ashanti Ports Services Limited, Nana Bugyei, in an interview, also pledged support for the successful completion of the project.