The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Toni Aubynn, has marked one year in office, highlighting significant progress in stakeholder engagement, government support, and investor interest in the country’s flagship Petroleum Hub project.
In a reflective statement, Dr Aubynn recounted his first day at the Corporation’s offices at 335 Place, where he was welcomed by management and staff, setting the tone for what he described as a challenging but impactful year.
He revealed that initial public perceptions about the PHDC often overestimated its immediate revenue potential due to its association with petroleum. However, he clarified that while the project holds vast economic promise, it is still in a developmental phase and not yet a major revenue-generating entity.
According to him, this gap in understanding underscored a broader challenge—limited awareness of the Petroleum Hub’s transformative potential both locally and internationally.
Dr Aubynn said his leadership has since focused on repositioning the project through an aggressive publicity and stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at government, investors, local communities, and development partners.
He disclosed that engagement with President John Dramani Mahama led to key directives to address land acquisition and funding challenges. These efforts are being implemented in collaboration with the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
“Within a year, the narrative within government has shifted from scepticism to strong endorsement of the Petroleum Hub as critical to Ghana’s energy security,” he noted.
On the investment front, Dr Aubynn said participation in major international energy events, including the Global Energy Show, Africa Oil Week, and the Offshore Technology Conference, has yielded positive results, with more than 70 local and foreign investors expressing interest in the project.
He added that four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with consortia expected to begin work on the first phase of the project.
Dr Aubynn also commended the support of traditional authorities in Jomoro, describing their cooperation as crucial to advancing the project, which is expected to transform the area into a major industrial hub and create jobs for the youth.
He further acknowledged the contributions of key sector agencies, including the National Petroleum Authority, Ghana National Petroleum Commission, Ghana Gas, BOST, and TOR, as well as the role of the media and civil society in sustaining public awareness.
Looking ahead, Dr Aubynn announced that 2026 has been designated the “Year of Action” for the PHDC, with a focus on resolving compensation issues and initiating visible on-site work.
He expressed optimism that by 2027, the project would record tangible progress on the ground, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of Ghana’s long-term energy and economic strategy.