The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has strongly endorsed the Petroleum Hub Project, declaring renewed confidence in its potential to transform the Jomoro Municipality and create sustainable jobs for Ghana’s youth. Speaking during a courtesy call by a delegation from the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), led by Chief Executive Officer Toni Aubynn, the Minister said he is now fully convinced about the viability of the ambitious initiative. “I now firmly believe in the Petroleum Hub project,” Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah stated while addressing the delegation. His remarks mark a significant show of political backing for one of Ghana’s most high-profile energy infrastructure proposals. According to the Minister, his strengthened conviction stems from tangible progress made under the current administration and PHDC leadership. He credited the John Dramani Mahama government’s commitment to the project, as well as innovative strategies introduced by Dr. Aubynn and his deputies to address key challenges. One of the most pressing concerns, he noted, had been financing compensation following land acquisition. Mr. Buah acknowledged that compensation issues had previously restrained confidence in the project’s feasibility and viability. However, he expressed satisfaction with recent strides made to secure the necessary funding. The Lands Minister emphasised that resolving compensation concerns is critical to maintaining community trust and investor confidence. Vision to Make Jomoro the ‘Rotterdam of Africa’
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, assured the PHDC delegation that he would deploy every available resource and influence at his disposal to ensure the success of the project. He reiterated the vision of positioning Jomoro as the “Rotterdam of Africa,” a reference to the globally renowned energy and logistics hub in the Netherlands.
The Minister pledged to engage the leadership of the Lands Commission to fast-track ongoing land processes and ensure swift and efficient acquisition. He further revealed that government is actively advancing critical infrastructure projects, including roads and other essential facilities, to prepare the site for full-scale development. These infrastructure investments, he explained, are essential to attracting investors and ensuring the smooth rollout of the Petroleum Hub Project. PHDC Welcomes Minister’s Backing
In response, Dr. Toni Aubynn expressed deep appreciation for the Minister’s public endorsement and pledge of support. He described Mr. Buah’s commitment to expedite land acquisition as “immensely encouraging news, not only for the Corporation but also for the people of Jomoro, prospective investors, and all stakeholders.” Dr. Aubynn noted that beyond collaboration with relevant agencies to secure the required land, PHDC is actively engaging investors to secure forward funding for Lot One of the project. He explained that early-stage financing arrangements are crucial to building investor momentum and ensuring the project’s phased development. Dr. Aubynn highlighted the strategic importance of the Petroleum Hub Project to Ghana’s long-term energy security. He emphasised that the hub has the capacity to create sustainable livelihoods for over 700,000 Ghanaians, making it one of the most ambitious industrial undertakings in the country’s history. Beyond employment, the project is expected to strengthen Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry, expand refining capacity and position the country as a major energy trading hub in West Africa. The PHDC delegation included senior officials such as Deputy CEO for Operations and Technical Onasis Rosely, Deputy CEO for Finance and Administration Halimatu Sadia Abdulai, Director of Legal Affairs Enoch Aboagye Larbi, Director of Operations and Technical Kwabena Owusu-Abrokwa, and Advisor on Sustainability and Strategy Dr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh. A Defining Moment for Jomoro The Lands Minister’s endorsement signals renewed political momentum behind the Petroleum Hub Project at a time when investor confidence and community trust are crucial. By addressing land acquisition and compensation challenges, and accelerating infrastructure development, government appears determined to move the project from vision to reality. If successfully implemented, the Petroleum Hub Project could redefine Jomoro’s economic landscape, strengthen Ghana’s energy security and create large-scale employment opportunities for the country’s growing youth population. For now, stakeholders will be watching closely as land processes are expedited and financing arrangements for the first phase take shape, marking what could be a transformative chapter in Ghana’s industrial development.
Leave a Reply