No error in 5,000-hectare decision — PHDC CEO

Dr. Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), has defended the Lands Commission's decision to gazette 5,000 hectares for the Petroleum Hub project, asserting that the acquisition followed a direct written directive from former President John Dramani Mahama.

Dr. Aubynn explained that the process began after President Mahama announced the land size reduction to the Western Regional House of Chiefs and subsequently instructed the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to initiate the acquisition. He described as unusual any claims that the President erred in communicating this decision, highlighting that the President's announcement to the chiefs and the subsequent directives to relevant institutions were formal and well-documented.

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His Excellency the President addressed the Western Regional House of Chiefs, announcing a reduction in the land size to 5,000 hectares. This was followed by a directive to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, confirmation by the Lands Commission, and a duly gazetted declaration of intent to acquire the specified land area.

His statement appears to be a response to criticisms from private legal practitioner Oliver Barker-Vomawor, who questioned the land acquisition process. Barker-Vomawor reportedly argued that the PHDC's acquisition of 12,365 acres contradicted the President's public remarks, suggesting a potential misstatement by the President regarding hectares versus acres. Dr. Aubynn urged the public, particularly residents of Jomoro, to refrain from actions that could impede the project and instead focus on its developmental benefits for the area and Ghana.

The PHDC and the Lands Commission continue to collaborate on the acquisition, which is based on a presidential directive to expedite the process for the 12,365 acres earmarked for the project. The Petroleum Hub is anticipated to create over 700,000 jobs and bolster Ghana's energy security upon completion.

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It was unusual for anyone to suggest that the President made an error in communicating with the chiefs and in subsequent correspondence with the PHDC.