In fulfilment of a promise made during the commencement of the process for the acquisition of the 12,365-acre land, the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation returned to the palace of the Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, Awulae Kwasi Amakye III, on Friday, July 17, 2026, to update him on the corporation’s efforts to secure the land for the project.
Led by its Board Chairman, George Blay Morkeh, and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Toni Aubynn, the PHDC delegation called on the Awulae, his Council of Elders, and chiefs from the thirteen affected communities to brief them on the report submitted by the Lands Commission following its surveying and mapping exercise in April 2026.
Board Chair appeals for Support
In his address to the Awulae and eminent chiefs of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, George Blay Morkeh, Board Chairman of the PHDC, expressed appreciation to the elders and residents of Jomoro for their continued faith and trust in the project despite the delays.
Mr George Blay Morkeh also affirmed that the board he chairs is deeply committed to the development of the project and will play its part in ensuring that it benefits not only the state but also the good people of Jomoro.
Mr George Blay Morkeh stated that with the corporation set to develop its local content policy, he will ensure constant engagement with the Awulae and the chiefs so that their interests, as well as those of the Jomoro people, are fully reflected in the policy.
“Now that we’ve started the project, we pray our respected chiefs to support us with prayers. Remember our officials in Accra so that whenever we go before them to talk about the project, they will respond positively,” he said.
CEO Updates WNTC on Land Acquisition
Disclosing the purpose of the visit, the CEO of the PHDC, Dr Toni Aubynn, explained that following the completion of the Lands Commission’s mapping and valuation and the submission of its report, the corporation deemed it necessary not only to brief the Awulae and his respected chiefs but also to retain their support for the project.
Dr Toni Aubynn explained that with the Lands Commission having completed its work, the onus now lies on the government to demonstrate proof of funds for compensation. Beyond the central government, he noted that the PHDC continues to engage with investors and financial institutions to raise the necessary funds for compensation.
He stated that investors continue to express interest in participating in the project and expressed confidence that an agreement on compensation mechanisms would be reached soon to allow the project to take off.
“When we were appointed, we made a promise to engage constantly with the chiefs and people of Jomoro to update them on the project, and this is a reflection of our commitment to that. I came here in April to inform Awulae and get his blessings for the mapping and surveying works by the Lands Commission. Following the completion of the work by the Lands Commission, I believe it is imperative that I come back to Awulae to update him on our efforts.
“The Lands Commission is done with its work and that settles the debate about the land size. They have done the pillaring and valuation, and we are now set to move to the next stage, which is the payment of compensation for the landowners. It is worth noting that the compensation will not be for only the landowners but anyone with interests in the land. We continue to engage our ministry, and efforts are being made to secure compensation,” he said.
Awulae’s assurance to PHDC
Awulae Kwasi Amakye III, President of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, disclosed that the council will soon inaugurate a committee to liaise between the people of Jomoro and the PHDC.
He stated that the committee, which will be composed of experts, will deliberate on the possibility of equity ownership and Corporate Social Responsibility projects as alternative compensation mechanisms.
Awulae Kwasi Amakye III gave the PHDC his firm assurance that the people of Jomoro are fully behind the project, as they believe it will spur the development of the area and create sustainable jobs for the youth.
He assured them that the paramountcy will continue to engage with the PHDC and the government to agree on a compensation package that will fast-track the development of the project.
