June 14, 2025-Ghana’s Parliament is urging the Ministry of Finance to allocate $300 million in the upcoming mid-year budget to facilitate compensation payments for communities affected by the Petroleum Hub project in the Western Region.
The call was made during a recent session in Parliament, where lawmakers highlighted that the lack of compensation and unresolved land issues remain key obstacles preventing the takeoff of the project planned to be one of West Africa’s largest energy infrastructure ventures.
Unblocking Delays Through Compensation:
Leading the charge was Member of Parliament for Ho West, Hon. Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, who emphasized that the Petroleum Hub is of strategic national importance and must not be delayed further due to outstanding community grievances.
“The Petroleum Hub cannot progress without addressing the concerns of the local people. Compensation must be prioritized,” he said during the motion.
The proposed $300 million would be used to settle land claims, fund resettlement plans, and clear legal and legacy obligations tied to the designated project area largely located in the Jomoro Municipality, a key Nzema community.
A Project of National Significance:
The Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), which oversees the project, estimates that full development will cost upwards of $60 billion. Once completed, the hub is expected to include refineries, petrochemical plants, storage facilities, and export terminals. It aims to position Ghana as a major player in oil and gas processing in the West African sub-region.
Local leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society groups have repeatedly called for fair compensation and transparency in land negotiations concerns Parliament appears to be echoing.
What Happens Next:
The motion now awaits consideration by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who is preparing to present the mid-year fiscal review in the coming weeks. If approved, the funds will be disbursed to enable land clearance and project mobilization.
Parliamentarians across both sides of the House have urged swift action, warning that further delays could cost the nation valuable investor confidence and development opportunities.
Nzema Stakeholders Watching Closely:
The Nzema communities, particularly residents in and around Jomoro, are watching the situation closely. Reactions within the local communities are divided while some see Parliament’s stance as a hopeful step toward long-awaited compensation, others remain deeply skeptical. Many demand that the government engage through the proper, transparent channels, rather than using backdoor approaches that have previously sidelined community voices.
As the project unfolds, Nzematoday will continue to follow developments, amplify local voices, and provide updates on how the Petroleum Hub may reshape the economic future of the Nzema area and Ghana at large.
By Nzematoday TV
