President Akufo-Addo had dismissed a petition challenging the acquisition of some 20,000 acres of land by government and the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) at Bonyere in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.

The petition, filed by the Coalition of Concerned Nzema People which is made up of various advocacy groups including the Nzema Koyele Eku and Nzema Advocacy for Peace and Development, had expressed misgivings over the large acres of land being acquired for the establishment of a petroleum hub; stressing that it would deprive locals of their livelihoods.

In a petition signed by its Convener, Elizabeth Allua Vaah, the group had asked for the 20,000 acres of land being acquired to be reduced to 5000 acres.

But in a letter signed by the President's Executive Secretary and Ambassador, Nana Bediatuo Asante, the Presidency said the petition had no evidence attached to substantiate the claims made.

The letter dated August 16 emphasized that all legal requirements for the land acquisition, including stakeholder consultations, were also duly met.

It referenced a 2021 High Court ruling that allowed the project to move forward, confirming that the land is being acquired in line with the Constitution and the Land Act of 2020.

“It is also noted that the 20,000 acres of land for the Petroleum Hub project is the subject of compulsory acquisition by the State in accordance with the Constitution and the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036). All processes for compulsory acquisition under the law have been complied with thus far, including extensive stakeholder consultations. It is, thus, palpably false to state that the land in question is being registered in the name of Awulae Annor Adjaye III.

“In light of the above, your petition is accordingly dismissed. The President of the Republic will undertake the sod-cutting, as scheduled, for the commencement of the Petroleum Hub Project for the benefit of the country,” the statement concluded.

Find the full statement from the Presidency below:

According to available information, the $60 billion Petroleum Development Hub is expected to ensure the construction of four (4) Refineries each with 150,000 barrels per day capacity, two oil jetties, oil storage facilities, and tank farms.

The hub also proposes a Petrochemical Plant and Support Buildings with 90% private investors and 10% government ownership.