….At meeting with Western Region Chiefs
Dr Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), has reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to transform Jomoro into the “Rotterdam of Ghana”, a global energy hub.
He emphasized that, beyond infrastructure development, PHDC is committed to training and preparing local youth to seize the employment opportunities that will arise when construction begins.
“With the right training, the youth will not only qualify for jobs within the hub, but also become competitive for similar roles elsewhere,” Dr Aubynn assured while addressing traditional leaders in the Western Region, who have pledged their fullest support for Dr Aubynn ashe leads efforts to realize the Petroleum Hub Project.
Once operational, the Petroleum Hub, is projected to generate over 700,000 direct and indirect jobs, ensuring energy accessibility, reliability, affordability, and sustainability across Ghana and the West African sub-region.
During the engagement at the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi, the traditional rulers, raised concerns about timely compensation to affected communities before construction begins.
Responding to their concerns, Dr Aubynn, assured them that President Mahama is committed to expediting compensation payments.
“President Mahama has charged me to ensure the swift payment of all compensations because we cannot hold title to the land without fulfilling that obligation,” Dr Aubynn stated.
He further urged the youth and local stakeholders to embrace the project with confidence rather than fear the unknown, calling on traditional leaders to provide continuous support to ensure its smooth execution.
The chiefs expressed optimism about the hub’s potential to boost economic growth, create jobs, and, upon completion, position Ghana as Africa’s first major petroleum hub.
The traditional rulers commended his extensive experience in the mining and petroleum sectors and expressed confidence that, under his leadership, the Petroleum Hub Project would be realized.
The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kwabena Nketiah IV, reiterated his strong appeal for the headquarters of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) to be cited in the Western Region. According to him, such a move would underscore the commitment and seriousness attached to the realization of the project while also aligning with the region’s rich resource base.
Expressing his concerns, Nana Nketiah IV lamented the continuous concentration of corporate headquarters in Accra. “It is quite disheartening that almost every headquarters ends up in Accra, ” he stated.
He urged authorities to decentralize key institutions and ensure that regions which contribute significantly to the nation’s economy, benefit directly from such developments.
Awulae Annor Adjaye III, the Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, which hosts the hub, encouraged Dr. Aubynn to always maintain transparency, community engagement, and excellence in leadership. He advised him to work closely with the people of Jomoro to foster goodwill and collective ownership of the project.
Dr Aubynn also called the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, at the Western Regional Coordinating Council. The meeting sought to introduce PHDC’s new leadership and reaffirm the government’s commitment to fast-tracking the project’s realization.
Joseph Nelson, congratulated Dr Aubynn on his appointment and praised his distinguished track record in both the private and public sectors. He pledged his full support in facilitating the project, underscoring the hub’s potential to drive industrialization and economic transformation in the Western Region.
With government backing, traditional leadership endorsement, and PHDC’s commitment to community development, the Petroleum Hub Project is steadily advancing toward becoming a reality, cementing Ghana’s position as a key player in the global energy market.
The Petroleum Hub is set to enhance energy accessibility, reliability, affordability, and sustainability in Ghana and the broader West African sub-region. With the potential to create over 700,000 direct and indirect jobs, the project is expected to drive economic growth and industrial transformation.
President Mahama, has tasked Dr Aubynn and his team with expediting the project’s development to ensure its swift realization.