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President Akufo-Addo breaks ground on $12 Billion Petroleum Hub Project
In a significant move poised to reshape Ghana’s energy landscape, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has broken ground on the first phase of the ambitious Petroleum Hub Project.
The ceremony, held on August 19, 2024, in Nawule, Jomoro, Western Region, marks the commencement of a transformative journey aimed at creating a modern, diversified, and financially sustainable energy economy for the country.
The Petroleum Hub Project, which carries an estimated total cost of $12 billion, is designed to elevate Ghana’s standing as a key player in Africa’s energy sector. The hub, which will be developed in three independent phases, is set to include a 300,000 barrels per day (bpsd) refinery, a petrochemical plant, and extensive storage and port facilities. The project’s scale and ambition highlight Ghana’s commitment to addressing its energy challenges and leveraging its resources for long-term growth.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, President Akufo-Addo expressed his optimism about the project’s potential to transform Ghana’s economy. “Today is a very good day for our homeland, Ghana. This project promises to be a cornerstone of our nation’s development, ensuring that all Ghanaian homes and industries have access to reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable energy.”
The President underscored the strategic importance of the project, noting that it would not compete with existing refineries in the region but rather complement them, with a focus on serving the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market. The hub is expected to create approximately 780,000 direct and indirect jobs, stabilize the national currency, and stimulate local economic development.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the environmental considerations embedded in the project, emphasizing the incorporation of cutting-edge technology and green buffers to support local fauna and flora.
The President directed the Ministry of Energy to ensure the training of 200,000 skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled Ghanaians in preparation for the project’s takeoff, with a significant portion of these workers coming from the Jomoro area.
“We envision a facility that will be a benchmark for crude and petroleum product pricing in Africa,” he stated, stressing the project’s alignment with global environmental sustainability standards.
The first phase of the project, led by the TCP-UIC Consortium, represents a crucial step towards achieving Ghana’s energy goals. The consortium, comprising several international and local partners, has been chosen for its technical expertise and financial capacity to deliver on the project’s ambitious timelines. President Akufo-Addo assured the consortium of the government’s full support, stating, “Your success is our priority.”
In addition to the economic and environmental benefits, the project is expected to have a profound social impact, particularly in the Jomoro enclave. The President announced the allocation of GH¢200 million by the Ministry of Finance for land compensation to affected communities, recognizing the generous contributions of the Chiefs and people of Jomoro who have offered their land for the project.
President Akufo-Addo commended their dedication and collaboration, which have been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. He called on all stakeholders to unite in making the Petroleum Hub Project a reality, emphasizing its importance for future generations.
The project is also expected to lead to the establishment of the Jomoro Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (JPHDC), with its headquarters in Jomoro.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives from the private sector.
As Ghana embarks on this bold initiative, the Petroleum Hub Project stands as a testament to the nation’s determination to achieve energy independence, economic diversification, and sustainable development.
The Ghana Tourism Development Company, GTDC, under the leadership of Prof.Kobby Mensah has launched GTDC Campus Tourism Office at the University of Ghana.
The initiative aims to promote educational and domestic tourism by providing structured campus tour experiences showcasing key heritage sites, including the Archaeology Museum and the School of Performing Arts.
It will also offer students their first travel experience across the continent and inculcate in them love to visit Ghana’s heritage sites.
Addressing the gathering at the launch yesterday, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described tourism as a vehicle for education and heritage preservation, stressing that the sector must inspire citizens to value and protect national culture for future generations.
The minister highlighted tourism’s connection to disciplines such as history, the arts, economics and environmental science.
The minister further noted that the private sector is the engine of tourism economy, adding that the engines require fuel, which is talents.” by investing in these young people today, you are securing the quality, the innovation and competitiveness of our own industry for tomorrow.
She added that the establishment of the office represents a deliberate investment in the intellectual capital of the country.
The GTDC boss, Prof.Kobby Mensah, said,”at GTDC, we believe that if our tourism has to be sustainable, we have to promote domestic tourism and a very big part of it is getting students to appreciate tourism and helping them to organise tours.”
He added that the University of Ghana itself is a huge heritage site which must be explored.
Prof.Kobby Mensah noted that the initiative, which is one of many to be established across the country, is a joint partnership between GTDC and University of Ghana.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof.Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, said the University is a custodian of heritage which goes beyond the structures and welcomed the establishment of the first Campus Tourism Office.
She was optimistic that the office would be put to good use to achieve the intended purpose.
The launch brought together Stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to nurturing future tourism and hospitality professionals.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana has officially accepted an invitation to serve as Guest Country at Burkina Faso’s 22nd National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso from April 22 to May 2, 2026.
The invitation was extended by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo, accompanied by the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, H.E. David Kabré.
Receiving the delegation, Abla Dzifa Gomashie reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening cultural diplomacy and strengthening historic ties between the two nations.
She noted that the festival will create opportunities for young creatives, expand exhibition platforms and promote commercial exchange within the creative sector.
The event will feature cultural performances, a community village and gastronomy fair, an arts market, literary engagements, and a craft and trade fair.
Ghana’s participation is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between John Dramani Mahama and Ibrahim Traoré, while fostering collaboration within the creative ecosystems of both countries.
