Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport have paid a working visit to the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) in the Ashanti Region.

This visit forms part of the Committee’s oversight responsibility over the Executives and its agencies, aimed at obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the project’s progress and addressing any prevailing issues.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kennedy Osei Nyarko, emphasized that the visit was crucial for the members to gain first-hand information from various stakeholders involved in the project. These included the Contractor, Consultant, Ghana Shippers Authority, Ministry of Roads and Transport, and other subsidiary institutions. He stressed that the insights gathered would help clarify controversies surrounding the project’s contract and execution.

“The information acquired on site will help settle some controversies surrounding the contract of the project,” Hon. Nyarko stated. He added that such visits are essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of national projects.

Dr. J. B. Koranteng-Yorke, the Project Director, provided the Committee with an overview and the current status of the BILT project. He noted that 160 hectares of land are being developed to accommodate both import and export activities. This development is expected to serve the northern parts of Ghana as well as neighboring countries, enhancing regional trade and logistics.

One of the critical issues discussed during the visit was the termination of the contract with Ashanti Port Services. Madam Mabel Sagoe, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport, revealed that the contract was terminated due to the company’s failure to meet its financial commitments. Despite multiple meetings and notices, Ashanti Port Services could not fulfill its obligations, leading to the termination of its contract.

Madam Sagoe also assured the Committee that all necessary documents related to the contract termination would be submitted for further scrutiny and justification.

Current Contractor and Project Progress

Currently, Justmoh Construction is handling the project, which is approximately 40% complete. However, the Committee members expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the project. They urged the government, through the Ministry of Transport, to ensure timely payment to the contractor.

The Members of the Committee, who were not too happy about the pace of the project, pleaded with the Government through the Ministry of Transport to pay the contractor whose Initial Production Checks (IPCs) have not been honored since November 2023.

Considering the substantial benefits the BILT project is expected to bring to the country, the Chairman of the Committee reiterated the need for prompt payment to the contractor. He emphasized that completing the project on schedule is crucial for maximizing its economic and logistical advantages.

“The country stands to gain enormous benefits from the project, and it is essential to pay the contractor to ensure timely completion,” Hon. Nyarko reiterated.

In response to the concerns raised, Mr. Justice Amoh, the Managing Director of Justmoh Construction, assured the Committee of the company’s commitment to finishing the project by the scheduled date in 2026. He expressed confidence that with the necessary support and timely payments, the project would be completed as planned.

The visit by the Select Committee on Roads and Transport to the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal highlights the importance of oversight in national projects. By obtaining first-hand information and addressing issues such as contract terminations and payment delays, the Committee aims to ensure that the project is completed efficiently and effectively.

The successful completion of the BILT project is expected to significantly enhance Ghana’s logistics and trade infrastructure, benefiting both the national and regional economies.