The Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations and Technical at the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Onasis Kobby Rosely, has allayed concerns among the chiefs and elders of the Western Nzema Traditional Council (WNTC) regarding potential further delays to the Petroleum Hub project, assuring them that the foundational groundwork for the project’s successful take-off this year has already been completed.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Toni Aubynn, during the Annual General Meeting of the WNTC on Friday, January 23, 2026, Mr. Rosely commended the chiefs and elders for their support and patience, noting that, having established a solid foundation in their first year in office, the leadership of PHDC is now focused on commencing major activities at the project site.
Mr Rosely attributed the Corporation’s strong conviction and confidence in starting the project this year to several key factors, including highly productive engagements with the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, in November 2025, as well as with the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Another major source of optimism, according to Mr Rosely, is the continued interest shown by a wide range of investors from around the world.
โThe governmentโs vision of establishing a petroleum and petrochemical hub at Jomoro remains very much alive and active. The President has tasked us with ensuring the project’s development, and I can assure you that weโalong with my CEO, Dr Toni Aubynn, and my colleague, Sadia Halimatu Abdulaiโare fully committed to delivering on this mandate.
โWe held a meeting with the President toward the end of last year, during which he reaffirmed his total commitment and support. He has already acted on his promises, particularly concerning land acquisition and funding for the project’s preparatory activities. Currently, we are collaborating with the Lands Commission on related land matters.
โRegarding compensation, we are confident that discussions will be concluded very soon, allowing everything to proceed smoothly so the project can take off successfullyโfor the benefit of the people of Jomoro and the nation as a whole,โ he added.
For his part, the Paramount Chief of the WNTC, Awulae Kwasi Armahchi III, praised the PHDC for accepting the councilโs invitation to participate in the AGM, describing the gesture as a sign of respect and goodwill from the Corporation.
He reiterated the strong support of the chiefs, elders, and residents for the Petroleum Hub project. While acknowledging concerns about delays in compensation and construction, he expressed continued confidence in the administration led by Dr Aubynn to bring the initiative to fruition.
Awulae Kwasi Armahchi III also welcomed the proposed reduction in the land size, expressing hope that this measure was taken in good faith to facilitate smoother project development.
In addition to the speech, the PHDC delegation, which included the Head of Operations and Projects, Afo Minlah, the Manager of Community Liaison, Eric Boateng, and other officers, made donations to support the WNTCโs activities.
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.
