The Governing Board of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) has thrown its full weight behind the corporation’s management, declaring its readiness to approve all activities and decisions required to commence on-site work this year.
The declaration follows a three-day board retreat that reaffirmed 2026 as the Corporation’s “Year of Action,” marking a decisive shift from planning to implementation.
Speaking at the close of the retreat, Board Chairman Mr George Blay-Morkeh said the board was united in purpose and aligned with management’s resolve to translate years of preparation into tangible progress on the ground.
He stressed that the board understands the urgency surrounding the Petroleum Hub project and will act swiftly to remove institutional bottlenecks.
According to Mr Blay-Morkeh, the board has fully endorsed management’s declaration of 2026 as a pivotal year for the project.
He explained that, in line with standard corporate governance practices, the board would promptly consider and approve all decisions needed to ensure that on-site activities begin without delay.
“The board is the highest decision-making body of the Corporation, and no major activity can proceed without its approval.”
Mr George Blay-Morkeh, Board Chairman of PHDC
He added that members are keenly aware of the expectations placed on the Corporation, both by residents of Jomoro and by Ghanaians nationwide who see the petroleum hub as a transformative national investment.
Responding to Public Expectations
Mr Blay-Morkeh acknowledged the strong interest and anticipation surrounding the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation’s mandate, noting that the project has become a symbol of industrial hope for the Western Region and the country at large. He assured stakeholders that the board would not be a source of delay.
“We recognise how passionate the President, the Minister, and the local people are about this project.
“We will not relent in our resolve to approve whatever needs to be approved to deliver tangible results.”
Mr George Blay-Morkeh, Board Chairman of PHDC
The Petroleum Hub project is expected to position Ghana as a major downstream petroleum and petrochemical hub in West Africa, with significant implications for job creation, industrial growth, and energy security.
The Board Chairman also provided updates on preparatory activities at the project site, noting that ongoing work by the Corporation in collaboration with the Lands Commission is critical to unlocking the next phase of implementation.
“We are aware that the Lands Commission is on site, handling necessary processes.
“All of this is aimed at expediting action, acquiring the land, and starting the project.”
Mr George Blay-Morkeh, Board Chairman of PHDC
He emphasized that the board is determined to avoid bureaucratic inertia, promising that members would act decisively whenever approvals are required. He added that stakeholder engagement would remain a priority to ensure broad-based support and smooth execution.
Board Retreat Strengthens Oversight Role
Reflecting on the three-day retreat, Mr Blay-Morkeh described it as timely and productive, saying it offered board members a deeper understanding of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation’s operational realities.
The sessions, he noted, helped clarify how the board can better support management in achieving the project’s ambitious goals.
The retreat also provided an opportunity for open discussions on governance, strategy, and risk management, reinforcing the board’s oversight role as the Corporation transitions into an execution-focused phase.
The Board Chairman used the occasion to express gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, for their unwavering commitment to the Petroleum Hub agenda. He said their determination has been a key source of motivation for both the board and management.
Assuring the political leadership of the board’s support, Mr Blay-Morkeh stated that the PHDC board would not falter in its responsibilities.
He reiterated that strong alignment between political vision, board oversight, and management execution is essential for the success of a project of this scale.
Call for Continued Board Engagement
Mr Blay-Morkeh also commended fellow board members for their active participation throughout the retreat, describing their contributions as evidence of a shared commitment to national development.
He urged them to sustain the same level of dedication as the Corporation moves closer to breaking ground.
As the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation enters what has been branded the “Year of Action,” the board’s declaration of full support sends a strong signal to investors, host communities, and the wider public.
With governance alignment, land processes underway, and political backing firmly in place, expectations are high that 2026 will mark a decisive turning point in the realization of Ghana’s long-anticipated petroleum hub vision.
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