Charles Owusu, CEO of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, has affirmed that compensation will be provided to Nzema communities impacted by the Petroleum Hub Project in Ghana.
The compensation will cover farmers, landowners, and communities in Nyamenle Kwame Ellowule, Bokakole Nkwanta, Asempaye, and Old Kabenla Suazo—the four areas affected by the project. These communities have raised concerns and called for renegotiation regarding acquiring 20,000 acres of land for the project.
The Government of Ghana recently signed a landmark US$12 billion agreement with the TCP-UIC Consortium, including Touchstone Capital Group Holdings Ltd., UIC Energy Ghana Ltd., China Wuhan Engineering Co. Ltd., and China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Co. Ltd. This agreement marks the initiation of the first phase of the Petroleum Hub project in the Jomoro Municipal Area of the Western Region. The project aims to significantly impact Ghana’s energy sector, generating an estimated 780,000 jobs in the region and beyond.
In an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Charles Owusu assured that the concerns of affected communities have been addressed comprehensively. He emphasized that compensation would precede the project’s construction, reflecting the government’s commitment and direction from cabinet to ensure prompt payments through the Ministry of Finance.
Owusu highlighted ongoing engagements with community members to ensure mutual understanding and respect. He underscored the importance of fair compensation and reiterated the corporation’s dedication to supporting affected communities before groundbreaking.
The Petroleum Hub project aligns with Ghana’s strategic vision to become a central hub for refining, storage, and distribution in the West Africa sub-region. It is expected to significantly boost Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, fostering economic growth, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing energy security.
Source:newsghana.com.gh