The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr. Toni Aubynn, has described Ghana’s multibillion-dollar Petroleum Hub Project as a “quintessential and archetypal 24-hour economy initiative,” positioning it as a flagship undertaking under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
Dr. Aubynn said the hub, when fully operational, would not only secure Ghana’s energy independence but also transform the country into a major petroleum and petrochemical hub for West Africa. “The Petroleum Hub is a classic 24-hour economy project,” Dr. Aubynn stated confidently.
“It will operate around the clock, providing continuous employment, industrial activity, and energy security.
“We are committed to realizing the President’s vision of creating jobs for the nation’s youth through a sustainable, high-impact industrial ecosystem.”
Dr Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC
780,000 Jobs for Ghanaians
According to Dr. Aubynn, the project is projected to generate over 780,000 jobs for Ghanaians upon full completion, a scale of employment he described as “transformational.”
Drawing a parallel to Singapore’s successful energy hub model, he highlighted how the construction of the first phase of Singapore’s refinery and petrochemical hub created more than 80,000 jobs, with multiplier effects across its economy.
“This project is designed to revolutionize Ghana’s energy and industrial landscape while providing meaningful livelihoods for our youth.”
Dr Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC
The hub, to be located in Jomoro in the Western Region, will feature three refineries, five petrochemical plants, and extensive storage facilities and port infrastructure.
The PHDC expects the project to catalyze ancillary developments in transportation, housing, education, and logistics, turning Jomoro into a modern industrial city.
Prioritizing Ghanaian Talent
Dr. Aubynn was emphatic that the PHDC was determined to ensure Ghanaians, particularly those from the host communities, dominate the employment opportunities the project will generate.
“We are determined to ensure this project benefits Ghanaians.
“We aim to avoid relying on foreign labour by proactively training our citizens and preparing them for the project’s start.”
Dr Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC
To that end, he disclosed that the PHDC was in advanced negotiations with international training institutions in Canada, Malaysia, and Singapore to build the human capacity needed to operate and maintain the complex infrastructure of the hub.
He also revealed that the corporation was engaging private companies and development partners to establish technical training centers in Jomoro, where residents and young Ghanaians could acquire the skills necessary for employment in refinery operations, logistics, and petrochemical processing.
A Catalyst for National Development
Dr. Aubynn stressed that beyond job creation, the Petroleum Hub Project would redefine Ghana’s industrial architecture by fostering linkages between the upstream oil sector and downstream industries.
He said the hub would stimulate new opportunities in construction, maritime services, engineering, and energy technology. “This project is not just about petroleum,” he remarked.
“It is about creating a platform for industrialization, for research and innovation, and for positioning Ghana as a regional powerhouse in the petroleum value chain.
“It is a legacy initiative that aligns perfectly with the 24-hour economy because it is continuous, integrated, and transformational.”
Dr Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC
He added that the Petroleum Hub would also strengthen Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings by reducing reliance on imported petroleum products while creating new export opportunities for refined and petrochemical goods.
The Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) was established under the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation Act, 2020 (Act 1053), with a mandate to develop a world-class petroleum and petrochemical hub in Ghana.
The project, estimated at $60 billion, is strategically located in Jomoro chosen for its proximity to existing oil fields, deep-water access, and available land for industrial development.
The hub will feature three refineries with a total capacity of 900,000 barrels per stream day (BPSD), five petrochemical plants, and storage tanks with a cumulative capacity of 10 million cubic meters. It will also include two jetties to facilitate import and export activities across the sub-region.
With Africa’s energy demand projected to rise significantly over the next two decades, the PHDC aims to make Ghana the central hub for refining, processing, and distribution across West Africa and beyond.
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