President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially commenced work on the first phase of the Petroleum Hub project at Nawule, located in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.
The project is part of a $12 billion agreement signed earlier this year between the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) and the TCP-UIC Consortium in Accra.
Project scope and partners
The first phase of the Integrated Petroleum Complex will feature a refinery with a capacity of 300,000 barrels per day (bpd), a state-of-the-art petrochemical plant with a capacity of 90,000 bpd, 3,000,000 cubic metres of storage tanks, and a jetty with port infrastructure.
The project is being executed by the TCP-UIC Consortium, which includes Touchstone Capital Group Holdings Limited, UIC Energy Ghana Ltd, China Wuhan Engineering Co. Ltd, and China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Co. Ltd.
Commitment to energy sector advancement
During the sod-cutting ceremony, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the government’s commitment to establishing strategic partnerships that will drive the country’s energy sector forward.
He stated, “Today, as we gather to commence the implementation of this project, we have taken a bold step towards ensuring that all Ghanaian homes and industries have access to reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable energy.”
Complementing existing refineries
President Akufo-Addo assured that the new petroleum hub would complement, rather than compete with, existing oil refineries in Ghana and the broader West African region, including the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Sentuo, and Dangote.
He highlighted the facility’s cutting-edge technology, which will prioritize environmental sustainability through green buffers that support local flora.
780,000 direct and indirect jobs
The President revealed that the project is expected to create approximately 780,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Additionally, it will help stabilize the currency, stimulate the local economy, and position Ghana as Africa’s leading petroleum and petrochemical hub.
200,000 Ghanaians to be trained
To ensure a skilled workforce, President Akufo-Addo directed the PHDC Board and the Ministry of Energy to train about 200,000 Ghanaians, with a focus on individuals from the Jomoro enclave.
GH¢200m compensation to land owners
In preparation for the project, the President directed the Ministry of Finance to release GH¢ 200 million to begin compensating communities whose lands were affected by the government’s compulsory acquisition for the project.
He expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people of Jomoro for their unwavering cooperation and called on all stakeholders to unite in realizing this vision for the benefit of current and future generations.
Stakeholder contributions and environmental sustainability
Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Herbert Krapa, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the development of the Hub.
He urged the developers to adopt sustainable practices, emphasizing the need to meet today’s energy demands while preserving the environment for future generations.
Vision for the petroleum hub
Mr. Charles Owusu, CEO of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, described the Hub as a symbol of progress, innovation, and a brighter future for all.
He called for hard work and collaboration, stressing the importance of building legacies with precision and speed.
Significance for the oil and gas sector
Western Regional Minister, Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, highlighted the groundbreaking as a significant milestone for Ghana’s oil and gas sector.
The paramount chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, Awulae Annor Adjaye III, also welcomed the project, thanking the President for his vision and urging all stakeholders to support its successful completion.
