Western Chiefs urge Mahama to prioritise Petroleum Hub as key legacy project

The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise the long-delayed Petroleum Hub project, describing it as a key potential legacy initiative for his administration.

He made the appeal during a courtesy call by the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Toni Aubynn, on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Nana Nketsia expressed concern over the prolonged delays in implementing the project, noting growing unease and uncertainty among traditional leaders and residents in the Western Region.

He said that although government has consistently assured the public of its commitment to the initiative—expected to create over 780,000 jobs upon completion—progress has been slow, fueling doubts about its eventual realisation.

According to him, the Petroleum Hub was originally presented as a transformational project that would turn the Western Region into a major industrial centre, but delays have dampened expectations.

“For the kind of projection that the hub has been given by the government, it looks as if His Excellency the President, if he does anything, it would not be the kind of lasting legacy he would leave unless he tackles the Petroleum Hub. It will really revolutionize the industry,” he said.

He also urged government to adequately resource the PHDC to enable it to effectively carry out its investment promotion and facilitation mandate.

“There is an urgent need for the government to properly resource the PHDC. We are deeply interested in this project because we were promised it would create over 780,000 jobs when fully operational. The Petroleum Hub must not be seen as a project for the Western Region alone; it is for Ghana and for Africa,” he added.

In response, Dr Toni Aubynn assured the chiefs that the project has the full backing and commitment of President Mahama and his administration, which is working to ensure its successful implementation.

He explained that ongoing stakeholder engagements are part of a broader consultation process, including the resizing of the project land following a directive from the President.

Dr Aubynn further noted that the Ministries of Energy and Lands are addressing outstanding issues such as compensation and land acquisition to pave the way for smooth implementation of the project, which he said is critical to Ghana’s energy future and job creation.