Accra: The Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) has engaged civil society organisations to strengthen stakeholder understanding and support for the proposed Petroleum Hub project. The engagement aimed to promote dialogue on the project's role in enhancing energy security, creating employment, and advancing Ghana's industrialisation agenda.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer of PHDC, speaking at a strategic meeting in Accra, said the scale of the Petroleum Hub project required broad stakeholder involvement. He mentioned that the Corporation had already engaged traditional authorities, youth groups, local communities, and Parliament. Dr. Aubynn emphasized the need for inclusivity in undertaking such a significant project.
The meeting, which brought together representatives of more than 25 civil society organisations, provided a platform for discussions between PHDC management and civil society actors on the progress and strategic importance of the project. Dr. Aubynn highlighted the engagement's purpose to brief civil society organisations on project developments, clarify outstanding issues, and receive feedback. He noted the value of civil society as neutral stakeholders whose perspectives could strengthen the project.
Dr. Aubynn acknowledged that while many issues raised were supportive, concerns were expressed regarding land acquisition and compensation for affected landowners. He assured that compensation was a legal requirement under Ghana's land acquisition laws and would be addressed by the Government. He suggested that different compensation models could be explored, including equity participation for landowners or partial upfront payments.
The Petroleum Hub is expected to stimulate development within the enclave through improved infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, and roads. Employment opportunities created by the project would improve livelihoods and encourage additional businesses, including coconut processing and other agribusiness ventures. Dr. Aubynn stated that securing land for the project was the Corporation's immediate priority, with investor participation expected to increase once resolved.
Government had reduced the land requirement for the project from 20,000 acres to 13,000 acres following directives from President John Dramani Mahama. Dr. Aubynn mentioned the support from the Minister of Energy and Green Transition and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in expediting the land acquisition process. The recompilation of compensation figures is currently estimated at about GHS900 million, equivalent to approximately 100 million dollars.
Dr. Aubynn expressed optimism that the land acquisition process would largely be resolved by June this year, enabling preparatory work to begin before the end of 2026. He identified land acquisition as the biggest challenge, but was hopeful that overcoming this hurdle would attract the already interested investors. The project is expected to span about 10 years.
Dr. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management, emphasized the critical nature of land acquisition for the project. He urged the Government to prioritize funding for compensating landowners and securing the required land, suggesting that at least GHS600 million should be allocated in future budgets to facilitate acquisition and support investor engagement.
The proposed Petroleum Hub project, located in the Western Region, is expected to develop into a major petroleum and petrochemical industrial enclave to boost Ghana's energy capacity and support economic growth.