On Friday, April 11, 2025, Dr. Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), undertook his first official visit to the Jomoro Municipality—the designated site for Ghana’s landmark Petroleum Hub project.

Accompanied by his deputies, Onasis Rosely and Halimatu Sadia Abdulai Abu, as well as other senior management members, Dr. Aubynn engaged in a series of strategic activities, marking his inaugural tour since his appointment by President John Dramani Mahama.

The visit, which follows recent engagement with the Western Regional House of Chiefs, underscores Dr. Aubynn and his leadership team’s commitment to fostering collaboration with the people of Jomoro to advance the Petroleum Hub initiative. It also served as a platform to articulate President Mahama’s vision and unwavering dedication to the project.

Visit to Awulae Annor Adjaye III

The PHDC delegation commenced the visit at the palace of Awulae Annor Adjaye III, President of the Western Nzema Traditional Council and the inaugural Board Chairman of PHDC.

During both open and closed-door sessions with Awulae and his Standing Committee, Dr. Aubynn reaffirmed the government’s commitment to seeing the project through to its full realization, assuring that it would not be abandoned.

He urged the chiefs and people of Jomoro to trust in his leadership, pledging to take all necessary measures to transform the Petroleum Hub from concept to reality—positioning Ghana as the first African nation to develop such an integrated energy infrastructure.

With a vision to make Jomoro the “Rotterdam of Africa,” Dr. Aubynn appealed for calm and support as efforts are intensified to secure funding, particularly for compensating landowners whose 20,000 acres have been earmarked for the project.

He further highlighted the corporation’s prioritization of local content, assuring that Jomoro residents would be first in line for technical and other key roles. In preparation, he announced an upcoming skills development initiative to train local youth for emerging opportunities within the project.

“We are here to formally introduce ourselves to Awulae and the Nzema chiefs and assure them of our commitment to delivering a successful Petroleum Hub,” he said. “President Mahama has tasked us with ensuring that the people of Jomoro are the first to benefit—and we are determined to deliver on that.”

Western Nzema Traditional Council Endorses PHDC Leadership

Speaking on behalf of Awulae Annor Adjaye III, Nana Avo Nwia, Chief of Tikobo Number 2 and a member of the Standing Committee, warmly welcomed Dr. Aubynn and his team.

He dismissed earlier rumors of opposition and lauded Dr. Aubynn’s extensive experience in the mining and energy sectors, stating that his credibility and leadership inspire confidence among the chiefs and residents alike.

Nana Avo Nwia urged the PHDC and the government to focus on delivering the transformative project, which is expected to generate thousands of jobs for local youth. He, however, called for expedited compensation processes for farmers whose lands fall within the project area.

Visit to Project Office

The PHDC delegation visited the project office in Nawule, Jomoro Municipality, to familiarize themselves with ongoing operations. Guided by the Senior Manager and Senior Officer for Community Liaison, the team toured the facility.

Dr. Aubynn commended the staff for their dedication and encouraged them to continue working diligently to realize the vision of the Petroleum Hub.

Engagement with Chiefs and Youth of Affected Communities

An introductory forum was also held with chiefs from affected communities and local youth. Dr. Aubynn reiterated that the youth stand to gain significantly from the project and emphasized that their support is vital to its success.

He assured the chiefs of ongoing efforts to secure funding for compensation, noting that plans were already far advanced.

Nana Nyamekeh Annor IV, Chief of Bonyere—one of the key affected communities—encouraged PHDC to draw on local expertise in executing the project. He reaffirmed the full support of chiefs and residents, convinced of the Petroleum Hub’s potential to transform the region.

Local youth also expressed excitement about the job prospects the project offers, welcoming Dr. Aubynn’s commitment to prioritize Jomoro residents in recruitment and training.

Visit to Project Site

The day concluded with a site tour from Bonyere to Old Kabenlasuazo. Dr. Aubynn and his team surveyed the expanse of the designated area, gaining firsthand insights into the scale and scope of the development.