Since its inception five years ago, the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) has pursued a steadfast mission to attract investment to Ghana’s Petroleum Hub project. The PHDC’s dedication to securing investors and meeting the $60 billion project funding goal has led to its active participation in numerous conferences and forums, fostering networks and forging potential partnerships. 

As the Petroleum Hub project nears fruition, with compensation issues nearing resolution, the PHDC is intensifying efforts to address investors’ primary concern: streamlined acquisition of licenses and certificates. It is on the back of this that the PHDC is bringing together all the relevant regulatory agencies under one roof to deliberate on addressing the major concern of investors. 

The event, christened the Inter-Agency Dialogue and themed “Building the Energy Hub of Choice: Unlocking Synergies for a Globally Competitive Petroleum and Petrochemical Hub,” seeks to streamline regulatory and approval processes, fostering a more investor-friendly environment. 

Scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast in Accra, this article explores key outcomes potential investors can anticipate from the event. 

The New Government’s Strong Endorsement of the Petroleum Hub Project 

A frequent concern for investors is a change in government, which often signals a shift in policy direction. Fortunately, for those eyeing opportunities in the Petroleum Hub project, the new government has demonstrated clear support, aligning the project with its job creation and agricultural development agenda. 

With the Ministers of Energy and Green Transition and Trade and Industry set to deliver speeches, the Inter-Agency Dialogue will serve as the most significant platform yet for the government to articulate its commitment to the Petroleum Hub project and dispel doubts about its dedication. 

PHDC’s Efforts to Streamline Licensing and Permitting 

The Chief Executive Officer of the PHDC, Dr. Toni Aubynn, will deliver the keynote address, guiding attendees through the corporation’s work to create an enabling environment for investment in the Hub project. 

The PHDC CEO will highlight attractive investment packages, offering investors a range of benefits, and highlight Ghana’s unique attributes that position it as a secure destination for investment. 

A Clear Roadmap for Securing Licenses and Permits 

By the conclusion of the one-day forum, potential investors will be equipped with comprehensive information on the processes and steps required to obtain permits and licenses. 

Local and international investors will gain insights into how, with PHDC’s guidance, they can secure licenses and permits in weeks rather than months or years. 

Public Commitments from Regulatory Agencies 

Key regulatory bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), will deliver remarks, affirming their commitment to supporting the Petroleum Hub project by expediting licensing and permitting processes. 

Their public statements will serve as a pledge of collaboration among the agencies, the PHDC, and investors, underscoring the agencies’ readiness to facilitate the project’s success. 

Opportunities for Networking and Partnerships 

With all major stakeholders in attendance, the event will provide a valuable opportunity for networking among regulators and investors. 

The forum will facilitate the exchange of contacts and the cultivation of partnerships, which could play a pivotal role in the project’s successful development.