Nzema Coalition raise concerns over $12 billion petroleum hub project in Jomoro

The Coalition of Concerned Nzema People in the Western Region has voiced significant concerns regarding the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for the $12 billion Petroleum Hub project in Jomoro.

The project, set to cover 20,000 acres of land, has been met with trepidation by the local community.

Since 2021, community leaders, including Awulaemɔ, Tumivolɛ, Chiefs, the Member of Parliament, the Municipal Chief Executive, and the leadership of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), have been informed of the coalition's apprehensions about the extensive land acquisition required for the project.

The coalition has clarified that their stance is not anti-development.

They acknowledge the economic and social value of the land, which has historically provided substantial benefits through coconut plantations, cash crops, and other resources.

The land also holds significant mineral deposits, including gold, clinker, and crude oil.

However, they argue that the land and its owners often become an afterthought in large-scale development projects, emphasizing that the land should be the most critical and costly consideration.

The coalition has outlined specific conditions that must be met before any land is allocated for the Petroleum Hub or similar projects:

Generational Compensation: The land will neither be sold nor compulsorily acquired by the government. It can only be leased with provisions for generational compensation.

Equity Interest: The community demands at least 25% of the investment value as equity, ensuring that the landowners benefit directly from the project.

Phased Land Acquisition: To prevent land grabs without actual development, the coalition proposes starting with 5,000 acres in the first phase. Further land allocation would depend on the successful completion of this initial phase.

Amenities: Given the risks associated with such a large project, the coalition demands the creation of essential amenities, including roads, hospitals, and training facilities, to help the local population take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Hub.

Job Quota: The coalition calls for a 30% job quota for the core affected communities to prevent local residents from being disadvantaged due to rising living costs associated with the project.

Senior Leadership Quota: They demand a quota in senior leadership positions to ensure continuous local representation in decision-making processes.

Environmental Safeguards: Highlighting the environmental beauty of the region, the coalition insists on concrete measures to protect rivers, streams, the sea, plantations, and forests from potential oil spills and other environmental hazards.

The coalition praised the efforts of their leaders but firmly stated that no land would be allocated for the Petroleum Hub until these demands are integrated into any agreements.

The statement was signed by representatives of the Coalition dated Tuesday, June 25, 2024, who are determined to protect their land and ensure that any development project benefits their community equitably and sustainably.