Contractors on the Boankra Inland Port Project in the Ashanti Region have assured completion of phase one of the inland port by end of the first quarter of the year.

The project phase includes the construction of a storage facility, security zone, roads, and the port terminal.

Chief Executive Officer of Justmoh Construction Limited, Dr. Justice Amo, says the project will be completed and fully operational by 2026.

In an interview with the media, he appealed to the present government to increase support to fast-track the project completion.

"Aside from the financial support from the government, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has supported the project. This project remains important to the Asantehene," he said.

The Boankra Inland Port Project in the Ashanti Region was initiated to provide service to importers and exporters in the middle and northern parts of the country.

The project also aims to serve as a major conduit for the efficient transportation of transit traffic to and from neighboring countries.

The project has been on the drawing board since the John Agyekum Kufuor administration.

Former President, Nana Akufo-Addo cut sod for the renewed construction of the port on November 5, 2020.

It is envisaged the project when completed will enhance Ghana's position as a major player in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

During the sod-cutting, Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of the project in ensuring Ghana derives maximum benefits from the AfCFTA.

Project Director for Boankra Inland Project, Dr. J.B Koranteng Yorke, highlighted the importance of the project in reducing traffic congestion and accidents on the Accra-Kumasi highway.

He revealed that the team has designed an interchange to address these concerns.

Ing Jarra Siddique, the Project Manager of Justmoh Construction Limited, disclosed that phase one of the project is currently 78% complete. The team is working on the terminal, alongside offices for a fire station, fuel station, government agency offices, and others.

As Phase I of the project nears completion, residents at Boankra and surrounding communities are excited at the spade at work on the project.

The construction activities have provided job opportunities to the youth in the area and the communities are upbeat about increased ancillary economic opportunities when completed.