Joseph Nelson (2nd left) with Dr Toni Aubynn and his entourage
The development of the nation’s Petroleum Hub at Jomoro in the Western Region has the potential to enhance energy reliability, accessibility, and affordability across the country, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr. Toni Aubynn, has said.
Dr. Aubynn made the remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, at the Regional Coordinating Council in Sekondi to discuss the progress of the project and reaffirm government’s commitment to accelerating its development.
He emphasised that once fully operational, the hub is expected to generate approximately 700,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting employment opportunities across the country.
“If it comes fully on stream, the Petroleum Hub will employ more people than any single entity in Ghana,” Dr. Aubynn stated, describing the project as a catalyst for industrial growth and economic diversification.
He added that at full capacity, the hub would transform Jomoro into the “Rotterdam of Ghana,” contributing substantially to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and positioning the country as a key energy and petrochemical hub in West Africa.
Dr. Aubynn also announced that the PHDC would soon roll out a training programme to equip young people with the skills required to benefit from the opportunities the project will create.
For his part, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, congratulated Dr. Aubynn on his appointment and commended his wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors.
He described the Petroleum Hub as a “game-changer” for the country’s industrialisation and economic transformation, pledging the full support of the Western Regional Coordinating Council for its successful implementation.
Earlier, Dr. Aubynn and his team also paid a courtesy call on the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi, where traditional leaders expressed strong support for the project.
They, however, urged government and the PHDC to ensure fair compensation for affected communities and individuals whose lands are being used for the development.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi