Following the successful completion of a high level stakeholder engagement in the Western Region last week, the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation has kick started community engagement and sensitization efforts in Jomoro to raise awareness about the resizing and acquisition of land for its integrated petroleum and petrochemical complex which has now been reduced from 20,000 acres to 12,300 acres (5000 hectares).
The community engagement, which began on Monday, April 20, 2025, forms a critical part of the land acquisition process and is being led by the Lands Commission, with the PHDC, represented by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Onasis Rosely, playing a supporting role.
On the first day, the joint Lands Commission and PHDC team held town hall meetings in two affected communities: Old Kabenlasuazo and Egbazo.
Regional Lands Commissioner Addresses Communities
Nana Asante Boateng, the Regional Lands Commissioner for the Western Region, explained the purpose of the engagements in detail.
He maintained that the Lands Commission is fulfilling a key requirement in the land acquisition process and assured residents that the Commission is committed to protecting their interests.
He pledged prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation to all affected persons and assured them that every legitimate interest in the land, as outlined in the Land Act, 2020, would be duly compensated.
Nana Boateng also clarified that once compensation is paid by the PHDC, ownership and control of the land would be transferred accordingly.
His presentation opened the floor for questions from residents of Old Kabenlasuazo and Egbazo, where the main concerns raised centred on the delayed start of the project and job opportunities for the youth in the area.
Community Leaders Voice Concerns
At Egbazo, the Tufuhene, Abizi Kojo, acknowledged the residentsโ justifiable concerns regarding employment opportunities, citing past experiences.
While welcoming the project, he noted growing doubts over the delayed implementation and called for expedited action.
In Old Kabenlasuazo, the elders expressed similar concerns but declared their full readiness to relocate to pave the way for the project.
They highlighted that developmental projects in the community earmarked for resettlement had stalled and urged the PHDC to fast-track the relocation process.
DCEO Onasis Rosely Responds
In response, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations and Technical, Onasis Rosely (also referred to as Onasis Kobby), urged the people of Jomoro to fully support the project, describing it as having the potential to transform the area into the โRotterdam of Africa.โ
Addressing the issue of delays, he cited government transitions and protests over land size as key setbacks and assured that with these challenges now resolved, he expressed optimism that the project would be executed on schedule.
On job creation, Onasis Rosely assured residents that the PHDC has developed a specific plan with the youth of Jomoro at its core. He encouraged them to trust the Corporation and to take full advantage of upcoming training opportunities designed to build their skills and prepare them for the projectโs implementation.
He further reassured the communities that the PHDC would not short-change them and has put in place alternative livelihood programmes for those who will lose land during the acquisition process.
The stakeholder engagement continues today, with the team scheduled to visit additional communities, including Takinta and Bonyere.
