A year ago, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama appointed a group of women to lead key strategic institutions in Ghanaโs energy sector. This move by the President was not an act of tokenism to fulfil a gender quota, but a deliberate demonstration of the Presidentโs confidence in our knowledge, experience, and leadership ability to deliver the transformation he envisions for the sector.
I found myself at the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Finance and Administration). A year on, we have transformed PHDC from an institution facing considerable uncertainty into a corporation ready for take-off.
Key Achievements and Milestones
- Staff Job Security and Regularisation: Upon assumption of office, one of the most pressing challenges was the widespread anxiety among staff regarding their future. We acted swiftly to regularise the employment status of staff on contract or probation, fully complying with Ghanaโs labour laws. Today, I am delighted to state that job security is no longer a concern for PHDC staff.
- Securing the Long-term Lease for Our Project Office: We successfully resolved the near-expiry of the lease for our project office in Jomoro, securing it for the long term and providing operational stability.
- Renumeration and Improved Staff Welfare: ย Since our arrival, management and staff have enjoyed timely payment of salaries and entitlements without interruption. This has been made possible through a reliable and efficient financial administration system, strongly supported by our sister agency, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). We continue to prioritise staff welfare and professional development.
- Collaboration with Sister Agencies: As a start-up institution, PHDC depends heavily on strategic partnerships. With the support and guidance of our Chief Executive Officer, Dr Toni Aubynn, I have maintained active engagement with sister agencies (NPA, GNPC, BOST, Ghana Gas) to secure funding, training opportunities, and technical support for our staff.
The Major Challenge of Land Compensation
The most significant outstanding issue remains the payment of compensation to landowners within the 12,000-acre project site. While I am not yet satisfied that we have fully resolved this matter, I am encouraged by the substantial progress made in recent months. We continue to engage relevant government institutions to secure the necessary funding. At the same time, I have worked closely with the finance unit and other departments to explore credible, alternative financing mechanisms to support both compensation payments and overall PHDC operations. I remain optimistic that positive news on this front will emerge soon.
Closing Gratitude
I wish to express my deepest appreciation to:
- His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic, for his belief in me and his unwavering support for the Petroleum Hub project
- Hon. Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy, for his guidance and leadership
- Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
- Mr Edudzi Tamekloe and the entire leadership of the National Petroleum Authority
- The Paramount Chief and people of Jomoro
- Our valued investors, media partners, and heads of sister agencies
Finally, to the dedicated management and staff of PHDC: your commitment, resilience, and hard work have been remarkable. When the Petroleum Hub project reaches full realisation, your names will be permanently recorded as the team that laid the foundation for Ghanaโs energy security and the creation of sustainable, long-term employment opportunities.
Thank you all.
