June 15, 2025 — Plans by Ghana Gas to begin Phase 2 of its gas processing project in the Western Region are being met with mounting resistance from the Nzema people, who say the promises made during Phase 1 remain unfulfilled.
Across towns and villages in the Ellembelle, Jomoro, and Evalue-Gwira constituencies, landowners, farmers, and local leaders are demanding accountability for what they describe as years of neglect and broken commitments.
MPs Add Their Voice: “Focus Development Where You Operate”:
In a rare display of unity, the three Members of Parliament from the Nzema constituencies Hon. Armah Kofi Buah (Ellembelle), Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey (Jomoro), and Hon. Kofi Arko Nokoe (Evalue-Gwira) issued a joint statement sharply criticizing Ghana Gas for overlooking the very communities at the heart of its operations.
They emphasized that:
- Compensation for farmlands and community lands seized during the Atuabo Gas Project has not been paid in full, with some residents receiving nothing at all.
- Communities are still grappling with poor infrastructure, including under resourced hospitals, lack of school facilities, and little to no job creation.
- Other regions, like Ashanti and Eastern Regions, have seen multiple projects funded by Ghana Gas, while Nzema continues to be sidelined.
Speaking passionately, Hon. Armah Kofi Buah warned:
“You cannot ignore the people whose lands you operate on. This growing neglect is creating tension, and it will not end well.”
Hon. Kofi Arko Nokoe highlighted that his constituency hosts the longest gas pipeline in the country, yet he cannot identify a single project Ghana Gas has executed in Evalue-Gwira. He said the ongoing neglect has caused rising tension between the youth and traditional leaders, requiring constant engagement to prevent escalation.
“Nzema people are peace-loving, and that is why we have sacrificed so much. But when resources are being allocated, Ghana Gas must remember the indigenous people. At Axim Hospital, people are dying due to a lack of basic medical equipment. If this is not addressed, tensions may spiral out of control,” he stated.
Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey added that nothing has been done in her constituency by Ghana Gas. She emphasized that the only government hospital in Half Assini still lacks a staff bungalow, even as similar facilities are being built elsewhere with Ghana Gas funding.
“This is unacceptable” she declared.
Government Greenlights Phase 2 But At What Cost?:
Just weeks ago, government officials announced a new committee to oversee the second phase of Ghana Gas operations, including plans for a second processing plant to boost gas capacity, reduce energy imports, and create jobs.
However, Nzema residents argue they’ve heard these promises before. They say Phase 1 brought pipelines and pollution but no jobs, no infrastructure, and no respect for the people whose land was taken.
Traditional authorities have echoed the concerns of their communities, warning that no new project should proceed without meaningful consultation and fair compensation.
Legal Delays, Deepening Frustration:
While Ghana Gas claims that some landowners have been compensated and others are tied up in legal disputes, residents dismiss this as an excuse.
They feel excluded, ignored, and disrespected, with no clear avenue for justice or dialogue. This widening disconnect between national energy ambitions and local realities is fueling deeper frustration.
What the Nzema People Are Demanding:
Before any new pipelines or plants are constructed, Nzema leaders and residents are calling for:
- Full and fair compensation for all those affected by Phase 1, especially farmers and landowners.
- Transparent and respectful consultation with local chiefs and community members.
- Tangible investment in Nzema communities, including infrastructure development and employment opportunities.
- A policy shift to ensure host communities are prioritized, not marginalized.
A Path Forward:
The Nzema people are not opposing national development. They are calling for fairness, accountability, and inclusion. As Ghana Gas moves forward with Phase 2, the message from Nzema is loud and clear:
“No Phase 2 without justice from Phase 1.”
This is a developing story. NzemaToday TV will continue to monitor and report on any new developments, community actions, or official responses regarding the Phase 2 gas project.
By Nzematoday TV
