The Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) has deepened its stakeholder engagement efforts with a strategic retreat involving the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy.
The retreat, held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, brought together the full complement of the Energy Committee and featured active participation from Speaker Bagbin. The event served as a critical platform for the PHDC, under the leadership of Dr. Toni Aubynn, to present the vision, mission, and strategic direction of the Petroleum Hub project.
Speaker Bagbin Endorses the Petroleum Hub Vision
Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony on June 7, 2025, Rt. Hon. Bagbin underscored the importance of bold infrastructure initiatives like the Petroleum Hub in addressing Ghanaโs long-term energy needs and economic transformation.
He cited Singapore as a compelling example of how strategic hub developmentsโsuch as oil refining, aviation, and financial servicesโcan propel a country into a higher income bracket, even without domestic oil production.
โThis initiative is a pivotal tool for national development,โ the Speaker noted. โAs a lower-middle-income country, Ghana requires transformative interventions to move forward. Singapore, a city-state with no oil resources, used strategic hub projects to fuel its rise. Ghana has similar potential.โ
Speaker Bagbin acknowledged the challenges confronting the PHDC and pledged Parliamentโs unwavering support, stressing the necessity of inter-agency collaboration.
โThis is an exceptional initiative. The PHDC cannot operate in isolation. Parliament is a critical partner in our democratic and developmental journey, and all government agencies must collaborate with us to ensure its success. A lack of cooperation will only impede progress,โ he warned.
CEO Dr. Toni Aubynn Reaffirms Commitment
Dr. Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer of the PHDC, expressed deep appreciation to the Speaker and the 19 Members of Parliament in attendance for their commitment and support.
He emphasized that the Petroleum Hub project holds immense promise for Ghanaโs economic future and reaffirmed PHDCโs commitment to maintaining strong, transparent engagement with key stakeholders.
โWe are grateful for your presence and insights. With continued parliamentary backing, we are confident that the Petroleum Hub can become a game-changer for Ghanaโs energy sector,โ Dr. Aubynn stated.
He further addressed concerns about local inclusion by outlining strategies to train and build the capacity of residents in the Jomoro area, where the hub is located, to enable their active participation in the projectโs implementation.
Engaging Parliament on Key Concerns
Throughout the retreat, Members of the Energy Committee raised pertinent questions on the legal framework, compensation, local content, revenue generation, and other critical aspects of the project. Chairman of the Committee Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah tasked institutions in the energy sector to engage and collaborate with the committee.
Dr. Aubynn, alongside Abigail Abrokwah, PHDCโs Senior Manager of Business and Development, provided comprehensive responses, assuring MPs of the Corporationโs preparedness to address their concerns and drive the project forward in alignment with national development goals.
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 Africaโs 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 Ghanaโs Western Region. The hub will comprise:
Three refineries with a total capacity of 900,000 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.
