Nana Avo Nweah V
The Western Nzema Traditional Council in the Western Region has declared its unflinching support to the petroleum hub project in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.
The project forms part of the strategic development initiatives of the government to promote socio-economic growth and strategically position the country as a hub for the petroleum downstream industry in the West African sub-region.
However, there had been reports that some Nzema Chiefs, particularly those in Western Nzema area were not in support of the project.
Meanwhile, at a press conference organized by the Council at Beyin in the municipality the Chiefs debunked that assertion.
“We want to categorically state that we are in total support and solidly behind the development of the petroleum hub infrastructure in the Jomoro municipality”, they stressed.
The chiefs made it clear that the project, worth $60 billion and the first of its kind in the West Africa sub region, shall never be resisted by anybody.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, Nana Avo Nweah V, Chief of Tikobo No.2 said the project would not only create employment, but would also put Jomoro on the world map, and boost the national and local economy.
“We take this opportunity to thank President Akufo Addo for selecting Jomoro for the project and further appointing the President of Western Nzema Traditional Council, Awulae Annor Adjaye III, as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation,” Nana Avo Nweah V said.
He said the 20,000 Acres of land earmarked for the project is readily available and that Nananom have consented to it and are waiting to see the day the President will be there to cut the sod.
He was however worried about the fact that the site for the petroleum hub project was closer to some communities in the area which could create some difficulties when it comes to future expansion of the project.
He also appealed for the setting up of an educational fund for the children of affected farmers and a scholarship scheme for the students of the whole Nzemaland.
He said, “adequate compensations should also be paid to the farmers and land owners. Let me assure all that the chiefs here are resolute and committed to ensuring the establishment of the project”.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Beyin