The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr Toni Aubynn, has paid glowing tribute to the Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Authority, Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III, for his unflinching support for the Petroleum Hub project.
According to Dr Toni Aubynn, since assuming the role of paramount chief in 2025, Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III has adopted the Petroleum Hub project as his personal mission and has demonstrated clear conviction and commitment to its advancement.
Speaking at the first anniversary celebration of Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III on Friday, 21 August 2026, Dr Toni Aubynn commended the Awulae and the people of Jomoro for their support and urged them to strengthen their commitment further, noting that the project has now reached a critical stage.
He emphasised that, with the land acquisition process at a crucial point, the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation will require the support of all stakeholders to secure the funds needed for the payment of compensation.
“We have reached a critical stage at which the payment of compensation for acquired lands is paramount. I therefore appeal most earnestly to all gathered here to lend their voices and influence at the appropriate levels to facilitate the prompt settlement of these compensations.
“The Corporation has been examining various models for the payment of compensation and will continue to seek the guidance and support of your office, as well as that of other leaders present, to ensure that the people of Jomoro fully understand and accept the arrangements for compensation payment,” he said.
Dr Toni Aubynn’s remarks were echoed by Brigadier General (Rtd) Dr Albert Kabenlah Adu, who, in his presentation, described the Petroleum Hub project as an opportunity for the people of Jomoro to demonstrate unity of purpose.
He noted that, with competition for government resources and support reaching unprecedented levels, a significant responsibility has fallen on influential figures in Jomoro and the wider Nzema area to lobby the government and secure the funding required for compensation payments.
“Lobbying is the name of the game. Everyone is lobbying to attract projects to their areas. If we want Jomoro to succeed, then we must also come together and lobby for projects such as the Petroleum Hub,” the retired Brigadier General said.
At the end of the event, a 12-point resolution was adopted. Key among the resolutions was a commitment by the Awulae to lead a team of prominent and influential personalities from Jomoro in seeking support for the PHDC as it advances the Petroleum Hub project.
Prior to the event, Dr Toni Aubynn led a delegation from Touchstone Capital Partners and China Harbour Engineering Company on a courtesy call on the Awulae at his palace in Beyin.
The purpose of the visit was to seek the Awulae’s permission, as overlord of the area, to undertake feasibility studies on the 12,356-acre site earmarked for the port and jetties.
The PHDC delegation included the Board Chairman, George Blay-Morkeh, Senior Manager, Legal, and a team from the project office in Jomoro.
About the Petroleum Hub Project
The Petroleum Hub Project will be located in Jomoro, in Ghana’s Western Region. The hub will comprise three refineries with a total capacity of 900,000 barrels per stream day (BPSD) and five petrochemical plants with a minimum capacity of 90,000 BPSD. Storage tanks with a cumulative capacity of 10 million cubic meters and at least two jetties to support import and export activities.
The project is poised to position Ghana as a leading petroleum and petrochemical hub in Africa, enhancing regional energy security and economic integration.
