Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Urges Boankra Port Funding Amid Coastal Transport Feasibility Study and Bank Demolition Controversy

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has issued a strong call for the completion of the Boankra Integrated Inland Port, warning that further delays risk significant financial losses and missed opportunities for the nation. During a recent meeting with the Governing Board of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, the Asantehene emphasized the project's critical role in reducing road congestion and improving inland cargo logistics. He urged the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to revisit prior funding agreements, suggesting that financial support could be converted into equity shares to ensure the project’s viability. This push for inland infrastructure comes as the government engages Vision Consult and KPMG to conduct a six-month feasibility study for a new coastal water transport route linking Keta in the Volta Region to Axim in the Western Region, aimed at diversifying Ghana's transport network.

Technological and operational advancements are also taking center stage in Ghana's maritime and utility sectors. The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) is actively promoting the implementation of a Maritime Single Window to enhance electronic processing and information exchange among stakeholders, a move supported by Deputy Director General Mubarick Masawudu to align with international standards. These efforts are yielding results, as the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana recently praised the GPHA for successfully resolving cargo congestion at the Tema Port. Meanwhile, in the energy sector, the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has demonstrated a commitment to service improvement by resolving over 800 billing complaints and installing 400 new meters in Tamale within a single week through dedicated customer clinics.

Despite these developmental strides, significant friction has emerged between municipal authorities and the business community. In Aboabo, the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly demolished a branch of the Sekyedumase Community Bank to make way for a new government-led 24-Hour Market. The bank's management reported losses amounting to millions of Ghana Cedis, claiming they were denied the opportunity to salvage physical assets and cash before the demolition proceeded. While the bank's CEO assured customers that digital data remains secure due to robust backup systems, the incident has raised legal concerns, especially as the bank alleges that an interlocutory injunction was disregarded by the Assembly.

This pattern of municipal-led demolitions has also affected state-aligned developers. TDC Ghana Ltd expressed concern after the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) halted and demolished preparatory works for a housing project in Community 1, Site 3. The TMA reportedly issued a stop-work order demanding documentation just days before the intervention. These conflicting interests between local assembly redevelopment goals and established business operations highlight the ongoing challenges in Ghana's urban planning and commercial landscape. As the government of President John Mahama continues to focus on large-scale infrastructure like the Boankra and Keta-Axim projects, the resolution of these localized disputes will be essential for maintaining a stable environment for investment and growth.