The President of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, Awulae Kwasi Amakye III, has declared the council’s and the Jomoro people’s readiness to consider an alternative financial framework as a viable plan of compensation for the Petroleum Hub project, in light of the prolonged delays in payment of compensation to landowners within the 12,365-acre land.
Speaking during a courtesy call on him by a delegation from the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, led by Board Chairman George Blay Morkeh and Chief Executive Officer Dr Toni Aubynn on Friday, July 17, 2026, the Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Authority, Awulae Kwasi Amakye III, reaffirmed the commitment of the Jomoro people to consider alternative payment plans that will fast-track the development of the project.
Awulae further stated that the paramountcy will, in the coming days, announce a group of eminent persons from different backgrounds who will consider various types of compensation for the landowners affected by the project.
Awulae Kwasi Amakye III mentioned equity ownership, corporate social responsibility project and others as some of the considerations the paramountcy will make in deciding on giving their lands to the government for the project.
“We will establish a committee of eminent experts in land acquisition matters. The committee will thoroughly review and examine all documents you provide. It will include quantity surveyors who will independently verify the works by the Lands Commission and make recommendations. When our surveyors are satisfied with the valuations, we will then deliberate on the appropriate compensation packages. In determining the compensation, the committee will consider equity ownership, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, and other relevant issues.
Awulae Kwasi Amakye III stated that while the full payment of compensation would be ideal and welcome news to the people of Jomoro, the employment and developmental opportunities the project will generate far outweigh the one-time payment, adding that the council and the people of Jomoro are ready to accept an agreement that serves the interests of all parties involved.
“If the major challenge delaying the project is the payment of compensation, we can sit down with you and find an amicable solution. Our major focus is the development of the project because it will create jobs for our youth and bring development to our area so if you can’t get us the full amount, we are ready to hold discussions and find a way around it.
“How many times are you going to listen to outsiders when we, the landowners, have shown commitment to welcome the project? We are ready to have those discussions with you, so come home and let’s talk,” the Awulae said when PHDC CEO Dr Toni Aubynn briefed him on the report of the survey and mapping activities undertaken by the Lands Commission in April 2026.
The Board Chairman of the PHDC, George Blay Morkeh, commended the Awulae for his consistent demonstration of commitment and assured him that, as a resident of Jomoro, he would ensure the interests of the Jomoro people are protected.
Dr Toni Aubynn disclosed to Awulae Kwasi Amakye III the efforts being made by PHDC to secure compensation for the project and noted that the corporation would continue to engage the chiefs in finding the most suitable compensation plan.
