The Western Nzema Traditional Council (WNTC) has expressed great appreciation and excitement to President Mahama for his call to “expedite” action on the development of the petroleum and petrochemical industry at Jomoro.

They are, however, ambivalent about the government's plan to redesign the 20,000-acre land allocated for the Hub.

According to the council, the government's proposal, as announced by President John Dramani Mahama during his meeting with the Western Regional House of Chiefs, is a concerning deviation from the project's original objectives which is estimated to generate several thousands of direct and indirect jobs and drive significant socio-economic development in the area.

Speaking at the WNTC's Annual General Meeting on Friday, August 8, 2025, Nana Avo Nwia, Chief of Tikobo Number 2, who spoke on behalf of Awulae Annor Adjaye III and the chiefs and elders of Jomoro, noted that the chiefs and residents received President Mahama’s announcement with apprehension, as they have no objections to the 20,000 acres allocated for the project.

Nana Avo Nwia emphasized that the council seeks an audience with the President to gain clarity on the proposed redesign and to better understand his plans for the Petroleum Hub project.

He stated, “During the President’s address to the Western Region chiefs, he mentioned land issues and his commitment to the project, directing expedited action. However, he indicated starting with 5,000 hectares, which raises concerns. We need clarity on his intentions.”

He further explained, “We allocated 20,000 acres to the government for this project, fully aware it won’t commence across the entire area initially. However, starting with only 5,000 acres risks private developers acquiring adjacent land before the second phase, complicating future expansion. The chiefs have no issue with the allocated land but urge the government to prioritize prompt compensation payments to affected residents.”

In response, Dr. Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the project.

He indicated that President Mahama’s comments on redesigning the project reflect concerns expressed by a section of the Nzema about the size of the land.

Dr. Aubynn added, “I acknowledge your concerns but I would admonished you to appreciate the statement in the rightful context.” the CEO of PhDC suggested.

He added, “The President in his vision to create jobs, bolster industrialization and secure Ghana’s energy, seeks an expedited development of the Hub.” “Nananom, you would appreciate the concerns of some of our compatriots about the size of the land. I am sure in the view of His Excellency the President, public discussions about the land size seem to slow down the project, hence if that was the albatross, then let’s begin with a smaller size and expand as the project grows. His directive to expedite work at the Hub doubtlessly underscores his dedication to the project.”

The Annual General Meeting, held in Benyin, is the largest gathering of chiefs, elders, government officials, companies, and industries in the Jomoro enclave, fostering discussions on regional development.

Attendees included a delegation representing the area’s Member of Parliament, the Municipal Chief Executive, and representatives from the Ghana National Gas Company, among others.