The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr. Toni Aubynn, has urged African nations to exercise caution and strategic foresight amid growing international pressure to rapidly transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Addressing delegates at the Africa Energy Technology Conference AETC 2025, Dr. Aubynn underscored the importance of maximizing the continent’s recent oil and gas discoveries to strengthen Africa’s energy security and industrial growth. He emphasized that African countries should not be rushed into abandoning fossil fuel resources when these remain vital to their development trajectories.
“Africa must not shy away from utilizing its hydrocarbon resources simply because fossil fuels have come under criticism in some quarters,” Dr. Aubynn said. “Given the significant discoveries across the continent, we cannot afford to hesitate in leveraging these assets. There is no international legal obligation prohibiting the use of hydrocarbons—the global consensus is for a phased and orderly transition.”
He stressed that the transition to renewable energy is not intended to be immediate, especially for developing economies, and that Africa’s industrialization and energy access goals remain deeply intertwined with the efficient and sustainable use of fossil fuels.
Dr. Aubynn also addressed how African nations can attract greater investment to meet their growing energy needs. He pointed to regional integration, a stable and investor-friendly regulatory environment, and transparent governance as critical enablers of private sector confidence and long-term capital inflows.
He further highlighted Ghana’s $60 billion Petroleum Hub Project as a compelling platform for intra-African collaboration. The project, he noted, offers a unique opportunity for African investors and stakeholders to co-develop strategic infrastructure to meet the continent’s energy demands.
About the PHDC
The Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) was established under the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation Act, 2020 (Act 1053) to lead the development of a world-class petroleum and petrochemical hub in Ghana. The hub is intended to serve the energy needs of the West African sub-region and the broader continent.
PHDC aims to promote innovation, research, and strategic infrastructure development to meet Africa’s growing demand for petroleum products and services. By creating an integrated petroleum value chain, the Corporation seeks to unlock economic opportunities, foster industrial growth, and create sustainable employment for Ghanaians and citizens across Africa.
About the Petroleum Hub Project
The Petroleum Hub Project, estimated at $60 billion, will be located in Jomoro, in Ghana’s Western Region. The hub will comprise:
Three refineries with a total capacity of 300,000 barrels per stream day (BPSD),
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.
