BTA2023 The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr Tony Aubynn, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to developing the Ghana Petroleum Hub, projecting that the initiative could create up to 700,000 jobs across its development and operational phases.
Speaking at a strategic engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Accra on March 4, Dr Aubynn positioned the Petroleum Hub as a flagship national investment designed to transform Ghana into a regional energy security corridor while delivering broad-based economic benefits.
The meeting, themed “Advancing Ghana’s Energy Future through Dialogue, Accountability and Collaboration,” signals what PHDC describes as the start of a more structured partnership with civil society.
Building Public Trust Around a Flagship Energy Project
Dr Aubynn stressed that the project’s success would depend not only on engineering and financing but on transparency, stakeholder inclusion, and accountability.
“No major national infrastructure project can succeed without public trust, transparency, and continuous engagement with the people it is meant to serve,” he said.
Drawing on over two decades of experience in Ghana’s extractive sector, he warned that infrastructure projects often fail when communities are sidelined and environmental and social considerations are treated as secondary issues.
PHDC, he said, intends to build a culture of openness and co-creation around the Petroleum Hub.
Positioning Ghana as an Energy Corridor
Describing the Hub as one of Ghana’s most ambitious industrial undertakings in recent history, Dr Aubynn outlined plans for an integrated complex in Jomoro, Western Region, combining:
- Refineries
- Storage tank farms
- Petrochemical plants
- Port infrastructure
The project aims to deepen local value addition in the petroleum sector, reduce reliance on imported refined products, enhance export capacity, and stabilize domestic fuel prices.
If fully realised, the Hub would serve both domestic and international markets, strengthening Ghana’s role in regional energy logistics.
700,000 Jobs and Industrial Expansion
A key highlight of the project is its projected employment impact.
Dr Aubynn indicated that estimates suggest the Hub could generate up to 700,000 jobs — spanning construction, engineering, logistics, manufacturing, services, and SME participation within the supply chain.
“Ultimately, the Hub will create jobs for Ghanaians, attract investment, and expand our industrial base as a country,” he stated.
However, he cautioned that ambition must be matched by responsible execution, asking:
“How do we build a Petroleum Hub that is economically viable, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and beneficial to us and future generations?”
Civil Society as Accountability Partners
Dr Aubynn emphasized that CSOs are not adversaries but essential accountability partners.
“Civil Society Organisations operate between policy and the people. You amplify community voices and ensure development delivers real human outcomes,” he said.
The engagement sought to:
- Deepen understanding of PHDC’s mandate and project structure
- Gather stakeholder feedback to influence implementation
He acknowledged legitimate concerns around land use, environmental protection, livelihoods, and governance transparency — issues he described as central to the Hub’s long-term success.
Aligning With Global ESG Standards
As global oil and gas investments increasingly hinge on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) compliance, PHDC says it will align the project with international standards.
Key pillars include:
- Rigorous environmental and social impact assessments
- Local content development
- Gender inclusion frameworks
- Transparent governance structures
“We are building not just infrastructure, but a governance model for strategic national assets in the 21st century,” Dr Aubynn said.
A Long-Term National Investment
Beyond physical infrastructure, PHDC positions the Petroleum Hub as a strategic instrument to:
- Diversify Ghana’s revenue streams
- Strengthen long-term energy security
- Anchor industrial transformation
“We share a common goal: that this project must serve Ghana’s economy and long-term public interest,” Dr Aubynn concluded.
