The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr Toni Aubynn, has defended the Lands Commission’s decision on the gazetted land size for the project, insisting that the 12,365 acres indicated in the Declaration of Intent aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s public statement and directive to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in December 2025.

In a social media post on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Dr Aubynn clarified that the declaration of 5,000 hectares as the new land size for the project was based on a letter from the President to the lands minister, directing the minister to commence the acquisition of 5,000 hectares.

He described as “unusual” claims suggesting that President Mahama erred when he announced 5000 hectares as the new land size during his engagement with the Western Regional House of Chiefs on July 30, 2025.

“His Excellency the President addressed the Western Regional House of Chiefs, announcing a reduction in the land size to 5,000 hectares.

This was subsequently followed by a directive to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, confirmation by the Lands Commission, and a duly gazetted Declaration of Intent to acquire the specified land area,” Dr Aubynn stated.

“It is unusual for anyone to suggest that His Excellency the President made an error when communicating with the Chiefs and writing to the PHDC.”

Dr Aubynn urged the public to desist from comments or actions that could further hinder the project and called on Ghanaians, particularly the people of Jomoro, to regard the project as a priority for their area.

“Let’s refrain from creating unnecessary obstacles for this project. Our priority should be the development of Jomoro and Ghana. Let’s move forward,” he said.

Although Dr Aubynn did not directly reference them, his statement comes in response to allegations by private legal practitioner Oliver Barker-Vomawor. Barker-Vomawor claimed that the ongoing land acquisition exercise in Jomoro violates President Mahama’s public statement.

He alleged that the President, speaking off the cuff, made a mistake and actually meant 5,000 acres instead of 5,000 hectares.

Barker-Vomawor accused the PHDC of courting “unnecessary problems and disaffection” for the government by proceeding with the acquisition of 12,365 acres of land.

Meanwhile, the Lands Commission and the PHDC continue to collaborate on the acquisition of the land earmarked for the project.

The ongoing activities are premised on a presidential written directive to the Ministries of Lands and Energy during which the President instructed that the process for the acquisition of 12,365-acre land should be expedited.

When completed, the Petroleum Hub project is expected to create over 700,000 jobs and secure the country’s energy future.

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