The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr. Tony Aubynn, has revealed that the previous Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration failed to release the GH₵250 million earmarked for land compensation related to the Petroleum Hub project.
During a courtesy call on the Chiefs of the Western Nzema Traditional Area at Benyin in the Western Region, Dr. Aubynn identified the unresolved compensation as the key challenge hindering progress on the project.
The Petroleum Hub project, located at Nawule in the Jomoro District, is envisioned to include the construction of a refinery, 3,000 cubic metres of storage tanks, a jetty, and is expected to generate over 780,000 jobs.
Despite the signing of a $12 billion agreement in 2024 and a sod-cutting ceremony led by the former president in anticipation of construction beginning in the third quarter of that year, Dr. Aubynn said several obstacles remain.
Speaking during his visit to the project site after meeting the traditional leaders, he stated:
“The main challenge facing the project now is the issue of the outstanding land compensation.”
The Chief of Tsikobo Number 2, Nana Avo Nwiah, speaking on behalf of the Western Nzema Chiefs, reaffirmed their support for the initiative but urged the government to honor its commitments to the affected communities.
“We support the project, but we are calling for immediate payment of crop compensation, as well as ensuring employment for locals when the project commences,” he said.
Dr. Aubynn assured the chiefs of his commitment to resolving the compensation issue and fostering collaboration with the local communities as the project progresses.