Petroleum Hub to see on-site activity in 2026 - Dr Toni Aubynn
The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr Toni Aubynn, has declared 2026 as “the year of action” for Ghana’s long-anticipated Petroleum Hub project, signalling a shift from planning and advocacy to physical work on the ground in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.
According to Dr Aubynn, years of preparatory work, stakeholder engagement and investor outreach are expected to translate into visible activity at the project site this year, marking a critical phase in the development of the multi-billion-dollar energy infrastructure.
“2026 is a critical year for the Petroleum Hub. It’s a year we want to see action. We want to move from talk to action, and we are very hopeful that this will happen,” he said.
He explained that the Corporation was now firmly focused on actual groundwork in Jomoro, describing the year as a defining moment for the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation as it advances towards key implementation milestones.
Dr Aubynn attributed the renewed momentum to what he described as strong backing from President John Dramani Mahama, whose leadership he said had helped push the project closer to realisation. He referred to a meeting with the President in November 2025 as a turning point that had accelerated progress.
“I am confident things will happen this year thanks to the vision of the President. The President has been very supportive. People may not see the open support he gives us, but he has been extremely supportive. We are very hopeful that this is the year we move from talk to action,” he told PHDC media.
He also acknowledged what he described as consistent and practical support from key sector ministers and senior government officials, including the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Jinapor, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the Deputy Minister of Energy, Richard Gyan-Mensah.
“We have also seen the unflinching support of our Minister, Hon. Dr. John Jinapor. He has been very supportive and is always seeking opportunities for the project to take off. His deputy has also been very supportive. We are grateful to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah,” Dr Aubynn said.
The Petroleum Hub project is expected to position Ghana as a regional centre for petroleum refining, petrochemicals and related industries, with the Jomoro enclave identified as the host location.
In 2025, the PHDC intensified efforts to build momentum around the project through a series of engagements aimed at raising awareness and deepening stakeholder understanding. These included participation in major international summits and conferences, as well as meetings with potential investors and strategic partners across several jurisdictions.
With that groundwork laid, Dr Aubynn said the Corporation was entering 2026 with optimism, expressing confidence that major on-site activities would commence in Jomoro as the Petroleum Hub moves into its implementation phase.