President Nana Akufo-Addo has dismissed a petition challenging the acquisition of 20,000 acres of land for the establishment of a Petroleum Hub in the Jomoro District of the Western Region. The petition, which was filed by the Coalition of Concerned Nzema People, sought to reduce the land acquisition to 5,000 acres, citing concerns over the impact on local livelihoods.
The petitioners, which include various advocacy groups like Nzema Koyele Eku and Nzema Advocacy for Peace and Development, voiced strong opposition to the scale of the land acquisition. They argued that taking such a vast amount of land for the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) would significantly disrupt the lives of the local population, depriving them of farmland and other resources critical to their survival. The coalition, led by Convener Elizabeth Allua Vaah, had urged the government to reconsider its plans and reduce the amount of land being taken for the project.
However, the presidency, in a letter signed by Nana Bediatuo Asante, the Executive Secretary to the President, firmly rejected the petition. The letter stated that the petition lacked sufficient evidence to support the claims made by the coalition. Moreover, it emphasized that all legal requirements for the land acquisition, including thorough stakeholder consultations, had been duly met. The letter highlighted a 2021 High Court ruling that approved the project, reaffirming that the land acquisition complies with the Constitution and the Land Act of 2020.
The government’s stance is that the acquisition of the 20,000 acres of land is essential for the Petroleum Hub project, a key initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s energy sector. The project, which carries an estimated investment of $60 billion, is expected to be a major economic driver for the country. It will involve the construction of four refineries, each with a capacity of 150,000 barrels per day, along with oil jetties, oil storage facilities, and tank farms. In addition to these, the hub will also include a Petrochemical Plant and Support Buildings.
This ambitious project is designed to be a partnership between private investors, who will hold a 90% stake, and the government, which will retain a 10% share. The government believes that this public-private partnership model is crucial for the success of the project, as it will attract the necessary investment while ensuring that the state retains a significant stake in the management of the hub.
The dismissal of the petition clears the way for the sod-cutting ceremony, which the President is scheduled to lead. This event will mark the official commencement of the Petroleum Hub project, which the government states as a game-changer for the country’s energy sector. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to Ghana’s GDP.
The presidency’s response to the petition has been firm and unequivocal. It stressed that the acquisition of the 20,000 acres of land is in accordance with the law, and that all necessary procedures have been followed. The letter from the presidency also refuted claims that the land is being registered in the name of Awulae Annor Adjaye III, a local chief. This claim, according to the presidency, is “palpably false,” and the letter clarified that the land is being acquired by the state for the public benefit, not for any individual.
The Coalition of Concerned Nzema People, however, remains dissatisfied with the government’s decision. They argue that the government has not fully considered the impact of the project on the local communities, particularly in terms of the loss of farmland and other resources. The coalition had hoped that their petition would prompt the government to scale back the project or at least reduce the amount of land being taken. Instead, the government’s dismissal of their concerns has only heightened tensions between the local communities and the state.
Despite these concerns, the government is pressing ahead with its plans. The Petroleum Hub project is a key part of the government’s broader strategy to position Ghana as a major player in the global energy market. By developing a world-class energy hub, the government hopes to attract investment, create jobs, and boost economic growth. The project is also expected to enhance Ghana’s energy security by increasing domestic refining capacity and reducing the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
