The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations and Technical at the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Onasis Kobby Rosely, has clarified that the land earmarked for the proposed Petroleum Hub project in the Western Region is 5,000 hectares, not 5,000 acres as widely circulated.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Tikobo in the Jomoro Municipality, Mr Rosely said the directive from President John Dramani Mahama had been misinterpreted, fuelling confusion among sections of the public and affected communities.
He explained that the issue of land size came up during a meeting between officials of the PHDC and the President in November 2025, where challenges surrounding land acquisition were discussed as part of efforts to advance the project.
According to him, following that engagement, the President instructed the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to expedite the acquisition of 5,000 hectares of land, stressing that the figure had been consistent since the directive was issued.
“We continue to receive numerous petitions concerning the land size. We had the opportunity to meet the President in November 2025, during which the land issue was raised as one of the major challenges we are facing,” he said.
“The President therefore directed the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to urgently address the matter and proceed with the acquisition of 5,000 hectares of land. Since then, we have engaged with the Lands Minister and the Lands Commission, and we have developed a clear roadmap for the acquisition process,” he added.
Mr Rosely cautioned that persistent disputes and misinformation surrounding the scale of the land could undermine progress on the project, which is considered a key component of Ghana’s long-term energy infrastructure development strategy.
He urged traditional authorities and residents within the Jomoro area to support the initiative, noting that competition from other communities eager to host the project underscores its perceived economic value.
The PHDC official further emphasised that the Petroleum Hub, once completed, is expected to deliver substantial socio-economic benefits, including job creation, infrastructure development and increased industrial activity in the region.
His remarks come amid ongoing consultations between government agencies, local stakeholders and regulatory bodies as authorities work to secure land and advance implementation of the flagship project.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
