Dr Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), embarked on his maiden official visit to the Jomoro Municipality—the designated site for Ghana’s flagship Petroleum Hub project, reaffirming his commitment to deliver the country’s first-ever petroleum hub in Jomoro in the Western Region.
Accompanied by his deputies, Onasis Rosely and Halimatu Sadia Abdulai Abu, along with other senior management members, Dr Aubynn’s visit on Friday, April 11, 2025, marked a significant milestone in his leadership, following President John Dramani Mahama’s recent appointment.
The visit, followed earlier engagements with the Western Regional House of Chiefs and underscored PHDC’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the people of Jomoro in realising the transformative energy infrastructure.
It also served as a platform to communicate President Mahama’s vision and steadfast commitment to the project.
The PHDC delegation, began their tour by visiting the palace of Awulae Annor Adjaye III, President of the Western Nzema Traditional Council and the first Board Chairman of PHDC.
In both open and closed-door discussions with Awulae and his Standing Committee, Dr Aubynn, reaffirmed the government’s determination to see the Petroleum Hub, through to full completion, stressing that the project would not be abandoned.
He urged the chiefs and people of Jomoro to trust in his leadership, pledging to take all necessary steps to transform the Petroleum Hub from concept into reality—firmly positioning Ghana as the first African country to develop such an integrated energy infrastructure.
With the vision of transforming Jomoro into the “Rotterdam of Africa,” Dr Aubynn, appealed for calm and collective support as the Corporation works to secure funding, particularly to facilitate compensation for landowners whose 20,000 acres have been earmarked for the project.
He further emphasised the prioritisation of local content, assuring that Jomoro residents would be given first consideration for technical and other key roles. To this end, he announced a forthcoming skills development programme aimed at training local youth to seize upcoming employment opportunities.
“We are here to formally introduce ourselves to Awulae and the Nzema chiefs and assure them of our commitment to delivering a successful Petroleum Hub,” Dr Aubynn said.
“President Mahama has tasked us with ensuring that the people of Jomoro are the first to benefit—and we are determined to deliver on that.”
Representing Awulae Annor Adjaye III, Nana Avo Nwia, Chief of Tikobo Number 2 and member of the Standing Committee, warmly welcomed Dr Aubynn and his team.
He dismissed circulating rumours of local opposition and praised Dr Aubynn’s depth of experience in the mining and energy sectors, adding that his credibility inspires confidence among traditional leaders and community members.
Nana Avo Nwia, called on PHDC and the government to remain focused on delivering the project, expected to generate thousands of jobs for young people in the region. He also urged the Corporation to expedite the compensation process for affected farmers.
The delegation proceeded to the PHDC project office in Nawule within the Jomoro Municipality, where they were briefed on ongoing activities. Led by the Senior Manager and Senior Community Liaison Officer, the team toured the facility and interacted with staff.
Dr Aubynn, commended the team for their dedication and urged them to stay focused and committed as they work to bring the Petroleum Hub’s vision to life.
An introductory forum was also held with chiefs from affected communities and local youth. Dr Aubynn reiterated that young people in the area stood to benefit immensely from the project and highlighted the critical importance of their continued support.
He provided assurances that funding for compensation was being actively pursued, noting that plans were already at an advanced stage.
Nana Nyamekeh Annor IV, Chief of Bonyere—one of the key affected communities—encouraged PHDC to leverage local expertise in executing the project and reaffirmed the unwavering support of traditional authorities and residents, who are confident in the project’s transformative potential.
Local youth expressed optimism about the job opportunities the hub would bring and welcomed Dr Aubynn’s pledge to prioritise Jomoro residents for recruitment and training.
The visit concluded with a site inspection spanning Bonyere to Old Kabenlasuazo. Dr Aubynn and his team surveyed the vast area earmarked for the hub, gaining first-hand insights into the project’s scope and scale.
The visit marked a renewed sense of momentum behind the Petroleum Hub initiative, as PHDC leadership continues to build trust and collaboration with stakeholders to bring Ghana’s largest energy infrastructure vision to fruition.