The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr Toni Aubynn, has dismissed concerns that feedstock shortages could derail Ghana’s ambitious Petroleum Hub project, assuring stakeholders that the hub will have reliable access to raw materials once operational.

His remarks come amid growing questions about the hub’s viability following the commissioning of Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery and Côte d’Ivoire’s plans for a second refinery — developments that some fear could divert crude supply and investor interest away from Ghana.

But during a presentation at the 2025 Local Content Conference and Exhibition (LCCE) in Takoradi, Dr Aubynn made a strong case for Ghana’s competitive edge, arguing that the Petroleum Hub remains one of Africa’s most attractive energy investments.

“Unlike Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, which are focused on standalone refineries, Ghana’s Petroleum Hub is the first fully integrated project of its kind on the continent,” he said.

“It will include refineries, petrochemical plants, storage facilities, jetties, and a dedicated port — all designed to serve a global market,” he added.

Ghana has competitive edge to become West Africa’s energy hub - Obita

Dr Aubynn pointed to Ghana’s strategic location, stable democracy, and investor-friendly policies as key advantages that reduce transit costs, enhance logistics, and inspire business confidence.

Addressing concerns about Ghana’s declining oil production, Dr Aubynn drew parallels with global petroleum hubs that thrive without producing a single barrel of crude.

“You don’t need to produce oil to operate a world-class petroleum hub. Rotterdam produces no crude yet hosts one of the planet’s busiest and most profitable hubs. Singapore, which is the size of Accra, reclaimed land from the sea to build the world’s third-largest hub. They don't produce a drop of oil. Malaysia tells a similar story; its Phase One alone employs over 80,000 people. The formula is simple: build world-class infrastructure, invite global crude, and let the market respond,” he said.

He also highlighted the hub’s core and ancillary infrastructure as a magnet for both local and international investors, reinforcing the project’s long-term viability.

The LCCE, organised by the Petroleum Commission, was held under the theme, “Revitalising Ghana’s Exploration and Production Sector: Driving Innovation and Redefining Local Content for a Competitive Energy Economy.”

SA

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