President John Mahama says his administration is committed to fast-tracking work on the Petroleum Hub Project in the Western Region.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Western Region House of Chiefs, the president revealed that he has directed a renegotiation of the land acquired from the traditional landowners, explaining that the government intends to relinquish portions of the excess land taken for the project.

"We intend to fast-track work on the petroleum hub in order to attract investors to the Western Region and create jobs for our young people. I’ve directed the minister in charge to renegotiate the issue of the land acquired from the landowners," he said.

"Our aim is to relinquish excess land that was acquired for the project and pay adequate compensation for the land that you are going to use. We believe that 5,000 can comfortably start the project, and then we can acquire any other land as and when we need it instead of tying down 20,000 hectares of land."

In 2020, the government, under Nana Akufo-Addo as President, announced an ambitious plan to establish Africa’s first Petroleum Hub.

Some residents say the planned acquisition of land threatens to displace thousands of them.

Most are farmers who depend on agriculture in the Domunli/Jomoro area.