WNTC holds dialogue with President on Petroleum Hub project

 The Western Nzema Traditional Council (WNTC) has held audi­ence with President John Drama­ni Mahama to address the government’s proposed redesign of the land desig­nated for the Petroleum Hub project in Jomoro of the Western Region.

In an efforts to secure a dialogue with the President, the council stated that it has dispatched two formal letters to the presidency, yet it awaits a re­sponse from the nation’s highest office.

“The Council’s would use the op­portunity to engage President Mahama and clarity and the President’s idea of “redesigning” the land as contained in his remarks during a meeting with the Western Regional House of Chiefs on July 31, 2025,” Nana Avo Nwia, Chief of Tikobo Number 2, highlighted.

Speaking at the WNTC’s annual general meeting on Friday, Nana Nwia who spoke on behalf of Awulae Annor Adjaye III and the chiefs and elders of Jomoro, said the community received the President’s announcement with concerns.

According to the council, the gov­ernment’s plan as articulated by the President, was a troubling departure from the project’s original vision, which promised to generate over 780,000 jobs and catalyse substantial socio-economic progress in the region

“In his address to the Western Region chiefs, the President referenced land concerns and affirmed his commit­ment to the project, urging swift action. However, his mention of initiating the project with only 5,000 hectares raises significant questions. We seek clarity of his objectives,” he explained.

“The council allocated 20,000 acres to the government, fully cognizant that the project would not commence across the entire expanse immediately. Nonetheless, limiting the initial phase to 5,000 acres risks encroachment by private developers on adjacent lands before the second phase, potentially impeding expansion. The chiefs sup­port the allocated land but implore the government to expedite compensation payments to affected residents,” he added.

In response, the Acting Chief Ex­ecutive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr Toni Aubynn, reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to the project.

He suggested that the President’s comments on redesigning the project may stem from public discourse regard­ing the scale of land.

“I recognise the chiefs’ apprehen­sions and will collaborate with pertinent stakeholders to provide clarity. The President’s directive to accelerate prog­ress underscores his resolute dedication to this endeavour,” Dr Aubynn.

 FROM TIMES REPORTER

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