The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr. Toni Aubynn, has paid his first official visit to Jomoro in the Western Region, the proposed site of the country’s flagship Petroleum Hub project.
Dr. Aubynn, who was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama, was accompanied by his deputies, Onasis Rosely and Halimatu Sadia Abdulai Abu, along with other senior PHDC officials.
The visit marked his inaugural working tour since taking office and follows a recent engagement with the Western Regional House of Chiefs.
The visit was aimed at reinforcing collaboration with local stakeholders, particularly traditional leaders and residents of Jomoro, as the government advances plans for the multi-billion-dollar petroleum infrastructure project.
The delegation’s first stop was the palace of Awulae Annor Adjaye III, President of the Western Nzema Traditional Council and founding Board Chairman of PHDC.
During closed and open-door meetings, Dr. Aubynn reiterated the government’s firm commitment to the project. “We are not here with promises; we are here with a mission,” Dr. Aubynn said.
He added: “This project will not be abandoned. It is central to the President’s vision, and we are committed to seeing it through”.
The PHDC CEO also appealed for the continued support of the chiefs and residents, assuring them that PHDC was focused on securing funding for landowner compensation and other key project milestones.
About 20,000 acres of land have been earmarked for the hub. With Ghana aiming to become the first African country to develop an integrated petroleum and petrochemical hub, Dr. Aubynn likened the vision to making Jomoro the ‘Rotterdam of Africa’.
In a nod to local concerns, he emphasised that the corporation would prioritise the hiring of local residents, beginning with the roll-out of a skills development initiative aimed at preparing youths for roles in construction, technical operations and support services.
“Our first responsibility is to the people of Jomoro,” he said. “President Mahama has made it clear that development must begin with those closest to the project.”
Speaking on behalf of Awulae Annor Adjaye III, Nana Avo Nwia, Chief of Tikobo Number 2 and a member of the Traditional Council’s Standing Committee, welcomed Dr. Aubynn and his team.
“We have full confidence in your leadership,” he said. “Your track record in the extractive sector speaks for itself. We ask only that compensation be handled with urgency, so our farmers can also plan their futures.”
The PHDC delegation later visited the project office in Nawule to meet staff and review ongoing operations. The team was guided by senior community liaison officers through the facility, where Dr. Aubynn praised employees for their commitment.
An introductory forum followed, bringing together chiefs from affected communities and youth representatives. Local leaders, including Nana Nyamekeh Annor IV of Bonyere—one of the key communities within the project zone, urged the corporation to integrate local expertise into the development process.
“This is a rare opportunity,” Nana Nyamekeh said. “Our youths are ready to work. We support this project, but we ask that you walk the talk and engage us fully.”
Young people in attendance voiced optimism about the job prospects promised by the project and welcomed Dr. Aubynn’s pledge to place Jomoro residents first in recruitment and training.
The visit ended with a site tour from Bonyere to Old Kabenlasuazo, giving the delegation a first-hand look at the land demarcated for the Petroleum Hub.
For Dr. Aubynn, the visit wasn’t just symbolic; it was a statement of intent. “This is the beginning of a long journey,” he said. “But with your support, we will arrive at a destination that brings lasting development to this region and Ghana.”
