Western Region Chiefs Declare Overwhelming Support for PHDC CEO to Drive Petroleum Hub Project
Traditional leaders in the Western Region have pledged their full support for Dr. Toni Aubynn, CEO of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), as he leads efforts to realize the Petroleum Hub Project. The chiefs expressed optimism about the hub’s potential to boost economic growth, create jobs, and position Ghana as Africa’s first major petroleum hub upon completion.
During a courtesy call by Dr. Aubynn and his team to the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi, the traditional rulers commended his extensive experience in both the mining and petroleum sectors. They voiced confidence that under his leadership, the Petroleum Hub Project would be brought to fruition.
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.” Nana Nketiah 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.
Addressing the chiefs, Dr. Aubynn 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.
The Petroleum Hub, once operational, 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.
Chiefs Advocate for Fair Compensation
During the engagement, the chiefs raised concerns about the timely payment of 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.
Awulae Annor Adjaye III, the Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, which hosts the hub, encouraged Dr. Aubynn to maintain transparency, community engagement, and excellence in leadership always. He advised him to work closely with the people of Jomoro to foster goodwill and collective ownership of the project.
In a related development, Dr. Aubynn also paid a courtesy call on the Western Regional Minister, Hon. 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.
Hon. 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 John Dramani Mahama has tasked Dr. Toni Aubynn and his team with expediting the project’s development to ensure its swift realization.
