Dr Aubynn calls on Western Chiefs as engagement on reduced land size begins

As Ghana’s Petroleum Hub project enters a critical phase of its development, the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), which is the organisation charged with the promotion of the project, has commenced what is believed to be a high-level stakeholder engagement to brief key stakeholders in the Western Region on a series of crucial developments about the project. 

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, a delegation from the PHDC, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Toni Aubynn, paid a courtesy call on the Western Regional House of Chiefs to brief the them on the resizing of the land earmarked for the project, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama and in response to feedback from various stakeholders.

During the meeting held at the Western Regional House of Chiefs’ office in Sekondi-Takoradi, Dr Aubynn highlighted significant progress made since the PHDC’s engagement with President Mahama in November 2025.

According to him, one key outcome of that engagement was a presidential directive to reduce the size of the allocated land.

Since then, the PHDC has been working closely with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Lands Commission to implement the directive.

He explained that preliminary work by the Lands Commission has now made it necessary for the PHDC to engage all relevant stakeholders in the Western Region to keep them informed about the timelines for the land acquisition process.

Dr Aubynn expressed confidence that, with the strong support of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, the land acquisition process would be successfully concluded.

He disclosed that the land size for the project is being reduced from the original 20,000 acres to 12,300 acres and assured the chiefs that this reduction would not compromise the integrity, development, or operational efficiency of the project.

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“The President made it clear that the Petroleum Hub project is very dear to him. He views it as a transformative initiative that will benefit not only Ghana but the entire region. Following petitions received concerning the land size, the President directed that we be allocated 5,000 hectares, equivalent to 12,300 acres. We are confident that this size is sufficient to successfully develop and operationalise the project,” Dr Aubynn stated.

“After our meeting with the President, he issued two key directives. The first was to the Sector Minister, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, to assist in securing funding for the project. The second was to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to ensure the land is secured. Both ministers have acted swiftly. The Lands Commission was immediately tasked with commencing work, and productive engagements between the Commission and the PHDC have been ongoing since then.”

“The Lands Commission has completed the reconnaissance exercise, and we are now moving into the actual field work. At this crucial stage, we deemed it important to engage the respected House of Chiefs and the elders of Jomoro,” he added.

Dr Aubynn further assured the chiefs that the Petroleum Hub project continues to attract strong interest from investors who are ready to commit substantial funds once the land acquisition process is finalised.

In response, the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketia V, described the PHDC’s visit as timely, especially given recent global developments that underscore the importance of ambitious infrastructure projects like the Petroleum Hub.

He commended President Mahama’s personal interest in the project, noting that successfully delivering it would represent a significant and lasting legacy that would strengthen Ghana’s energy security and create sustainable employment opportunities for citizens.

Nana Kobina Nketsia V urged the government to adequately resource the PHDC to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.

The meeting also provided a platform for open dialogue, as the chiefs shared valuable insights and suggestions on how best to address land acquisition challenges and ensure the project’s smooth and successful implementation.

The PHDC delegation included Deputy CEO for Operations and Technical, Onasis Rosely, Advisor on Strategy and Sustainability, Dr Kwame Baah-Nuakoh, Head of Human Capital and General Services, Adwoa Osaebea Konadu, Senior Manager for Communications and PR, Favour E. Nunoo and Business Manager for the CEO, Ebenezer Portakey.