In a move expected to boost investor confidence, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has announced that EPA certification for projects under the Petroleum Hub initiative can now be secured within 30 days.
She made this announcement during a panel discussion at the Inter-Agency Dialogue organized by the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) on April 30, 2025. Professor Browne Klutse reaffirmed the EPA’s strong commitment to supporting the development of the Petroleum Hub.
She assured stakeholders that the EPA is dedicating the necessary resources to fast-track the permitting process without compromising on due diligence or legal and procedural compliance.
“With the right documentation and full adherence to regulatory requirements, permits can now be issued swiftly,” she said, emphasizing the agency’s resolve to facilitate the hub’s successful takeoff.
Professor Browne Klutse outlined the standard permitting process, including site inspections and community consultations, but emphasized that the EPA is prioritizing timely issuance of permits—targeting a 30-day turnaround for businesses operating within the hub.
To streamline the process, the EPA will work closely with the PHDC, which will serve as a liaison between the agency and prospective investors. The collaboration is aimed at ensuring that all required documentation and supporting evidence are submitted in a timely manner.
“Since assuming office, I have encouraged our team to quicken the pace. With this renewed focus, we can deliver permits within 30 days,” Professor Browne Klutse added.
The PHDC Inter-Agency Dialogue was lauded by stakeholders as a constructive platform that brought together key regulatory agencies and industry players from the energy and trade sectors.
The discussions centered on strategies to streamline permitting and licensing processes for investors interested in the Petroleum Hub.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations and Technical at PHDC, Onasis Rosely, highlighted the importance of collaboration.
“Transparency and partnership are not optional—they are imperative. PHDC acknowledges the crucial roles played by government agencies, civil society, and local communities in project-affected areas in driving the success of this transformative initiative.”