The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr. Toni Aubynn, has revealed that the multi-billion-dollar Petroleum Hub Project in Jomoro, Western Region, is gaining significant traction, with over 70 local and international investors showing strong interest in partnering with Ghana to develop what is envisioned to be one of Africa’s largest integrated energy infrastructure projects.
Dr. Aubynn confirmed that of the 70 investors who have expressed interest, at least 45 have demonstrated firm commitment to participate in the project’s development.
He disclosed, “In fact, two companies have already signed a $12-million agreement to develop phase one of the hub,” signalling that the long-anticipated initiative is moving from concept to reality.
Dr. Aubynn said the Corporation had reached a major agreement with a partnership between a Qatar-based firm and a Ghanaian company to construct a fertiliser plant within the Petroleum Hub. The facility, he noted, would directly support Ghana’s agricultural productivity drive.
He said, “The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Eric Opoku, has agreed with the company to take all the fertilisers that will be produced,” explaining that this arrangement would guarantee a ready market while strengthening synergies between the energy and agriculture sectors.
He also disclosed that the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry had expressed interest in the project’s industrial and agribusiness components, recognising the hub’s potential to attract downstream manufacturing and logistics enterprises.
Addressing Land and Community Concerns
Dr. Aubynn acknowledged that while substantial groundwork and documentation for the project had been completed, the Corporation was currently addressing land ownership disputes and compensation challenges to ensure smooth implementation.
“We still have the issue of land disputes.
“We are trying to finalise arrangements for the land and not use crude tactics to take the land for the hub.”
Dr Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC
He appealed to the youth and residents of Jomoro to remain patient and to focus on the long-term benefits of the project, such as employment, skills training, and business opportunities.
“We are urging the youth to focus on compensation and training opportunities rather than the size of the land.
“The hub will bring immense benefits to the people of Jomoro and Ghana at large.”
Dr Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC
Highlighting the government’s commitment to sustainability, Dr. Aubynn said the Petroleum Hub Project was being designed with strict adherence to environmental best practices and the principles of Ghana’s green transition agenda.
“Lowering or reducing carbon footprint is very dear to the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, so most of the ancillary activities will be powered by solar energy.”
Dr Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC
He disclosed that about one-third of the 20,000-acre site earmarked for the project comprises wetlands and lagoon areas that would be preserved to maintain ecological balance. “This hub intends to maintain and create opportunities around it and not destroy it,” he explained.
Dr. Aubynn also revealed that the PHDC was exploring innovative renewable energy solutions, including the integration of green hydrogen as a power source.
Africa’s Energy Transition: A Pragmatic Approach
Touching on the broader energy transition debate, Dr. Aubynn emphasized that Africa’s shift toward renewable energy must be gradual and realistic, taking into account the continent’s developmental needs.
“Africa contributes only four per cent to global emissions, so we cannot be punished for what others did wrong. The green transition must adjust to our context.”
Dr Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC
He underscored that while the world moves toward cleaner energy, fossil fuels remain crucial to Africa’s industrialisation and energy security.
According to him, projects like the Petroleum Hub offer a balanced approach that supports both traditional and renewable energy systems.
Dr. Aubynn expressed optimism that Ghana would soon witness physical progress at the hub site, noting that early phases of development would create thousands of jobs, attract foreign direct investment, and drive regional trade.
“Even if I don’t see it all in my time as CEO, I pray to see the start of this hub project and the direction becoming clear.
“If people can drive to Jomoro and say that they are building the petroleum hub, that will satisfy my soul.”
Dr Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC
When completed, the Petroleum Hub Project is expected to transform Ghana into a major oil and gas services centre in West Africa, hosting refineries, petrochemical plants, storage facilities, and export terminals.
The project will serve as a key pillar for Ghana’s industrialisation agenda, creating jobs, expanding local businesses, and positioning the country as a competitive energy hub within the global market.
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