The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr. Toni Aubynn, has refuted assertions that the Petroleum Hub project signifies Ghana’s reluctance to embrace sustainable energy, clarifying that the initiative exemplifies Ghana’s dedication to harmonizing renewable energy integration with the prudent utilization of its hydrocarbon reserves.
Dr. Aubynn underscored that the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), cognizant of the global transition toward sustainable energy, has seamlessly incorporated energy transition strategies into its framework, which is a reflection of Ghana’s resolve to achieve this equilibrium.
Addressing a panel at the CEO Connect during the 2025 Global Energy Show on Thursday, June 12, 2025, Dr. Aubynn championed the Petroleum Hub as the cornerstone of Ghana’s energy future, detailing how the corporation has embedded sustainability objectives into the Hub’s development and operational blueprint.
He affirmed that the PHDC’s strategy is rooted in three pivotal pillars: Gas as a Catalyst for Transition, Low-Carbon and Forward-Looking Infrastructure, and Sustainable Industrial Advancement.
“At the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), we recognize that the future of the downstream petroleum sector cannot rely solely on legacy thinking. The global shift toward low-carbon energy systems is undeniable, and while Africa’s transition will follow a unique pace and sequence, we are actively incorporating energy transition targets into the Hub’s design and development,” he said.
“The Petroleum Hub is not a bet on the past—it is a bridge to Ghana’s energy future. Our downstream sector plans are designed to be globally competitive, locally impactful, and environmentally responsible. Energy transition is not a footnote; it’s a core design principle,” he added.
Dr. Aubynn reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to a pragmatic energy transition that ensures the responsible and sustainable stewardship of its hydrocarbon resources.
“We remain strongly committed to a balanced, pragmatic energy transition. The retreat by some nations has not reversed our policy direction. Rather, it has reinforced our resolve to tailor our energy strategy to the realities of our national development, resource endowment, and industrialization goals,” he said.
“Ghana is adopting what we call a ‘just and orderly transition’—where we continue to leverage our oil and gas resources responsibly while investing in cleaner technologies and diversifying our energy mix. The Petroleum Hub project exemplifies this dual approach: while it includes traditional infrastructure like refineries and tank farms, it is designed with future-proofing in mind, incorporating green hydrogen, carbon capture, and low-emission fuel alternatives,” he concluded.
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 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.
