Jomoro petroleum hub project draws investor interest

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr Toni Aubynn, has revealed that Ghana’s flagship Petroleum Hub Project at Jomoro in the Western Region is attracting significant local and international investor interest, with several major partnerships already under discussion.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement, Dr Aubynn disclosed that more than 70 investors, both local and foreign, had expressed interest in participating in the multi-billion-dollar project, while 45 investors had shown strong commitment towards its development.

“In fact, two companies have already signed a 12-million-dollar agreement to develop the first phase of the hub,” Dr Aubynn stated, describing the milestone as a major vote of confidence in Ghana’s petroleum and energy sector.

He further revealed that the PHDC had entered into an agreement with a Qatar-based and Ghanaian partnership to construct a fertiliser plant within the hub.

The arrangement, he said, has already received the endorsement of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, who has committed to purchasing the fertilisers produced for local use.

Dr Aubynn also commended the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry for his keen interest in the industrial and agribusiness components of the hub, which aim to leverage the country’s energy resources for large-scale industrialisation and export growth.

Addressing Land and Community Concerns

While much of the technical groundwork and documentation for the hub have been completed, Dr Aubynn noted that land ownership and compensation remain critical issues under discussion.

“We still have the issue of land disputes, and we are trying to finalise arrangements in a fair and transparent manner. We will not use crude tactics to take the land for the hub,” he explained.

Dr Aubynn appealed to the youth of Jomoro to remain patient and to focus on training, job opportunities and fair compensation, rather than the size of land being acquired.

Sustainability and Green Transition

Dr Aubynn reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to environmental sustainability, emphasising that lowering the carbon footprint is a core element of the hub’s development strategy.

“Lowering or reducing carbon emissions is very dear to the Minister of Energy and Green Transition. Most of the ancillary activities within the hub will be powered by solar energy,” he said.

Dr Aubynn revealed that about one-third of the 20,000-acre site earmarked for the project includes wetlands and lagoon areas that would be preserved to maintain ecological balance.

“The hub intends to create opportunities, not destroy them. We are even exploring green hydrogen as an energy source. While the hub will primarily be powered by gas, we are considering carbon restriction measures to balance fossil fuel use with green initiatives,” he asserted.

A Gradual African Energy Transition

Dr Aubynn stressed that Africa’s energy transition must be gradual and adapted to its unique developmental needs.

“Africa contributes only four per cent to global emissions, so we cannot be punished for what others did wrong. The green transition must adjust to our context,” he remarked.

A Vision for Shared Prosperity

Reflecting on his vision for the project, Dr Aubynn said he remains optimistic that tangible progress will soon be seen on the ground.

“Even if I don’t see it all in my time as CEO, I pray to see the start of this hub project and the direction becoming clear. If people can drive to Jomoro and say that they are building the petroleum hub, that will satisfy my soul,” he add.