The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr. Tony Aubynn, has disclosed that the previous administration, led by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, failed to release GH₵250 million allocated for land compensation tied to the Petroleum Hub project.
During a courtesy visit to the Chiefs of the Western Nzema Traditional Area in Benyin, Western Region, Dr. Aubynn described the unresolved compensation as the primary challenge stalling the project’s progress.
The Petroleum Hub situated in Nawule, within the Jomoro District, the Petroleum Hub project is set to include a refinery, 3,000 cubic metres of storage tanks, a jetty, and aims to create over 780,000 jobs.
Although a $12 billion agreement was signed in 2024 and a sod-cutting ceremony was held with expectations of construction commencing in the third quarter of that year, Dr. Aubynn noted that several critical issues remain unresolved.
During a visit to the project site following his engagement with the traditional leaders, he emphasized that the main challenge facing the project now is the issue of the outstanding land compensation.
On behalf of the Western Nzema Chiefs, the Chief of Tsikobo Number-2, Nana Avo Nwiah, reiterated their support for the initiative but called on the government to fulfill its promises to the affected communities.
Dr. Aubynn reassured the chiefs of his commitment to resolving the compensation impasse and pledged to work closely with the local communities as the project moves forward.
