Coalition of Concerned Nzema People Protests Proposed Petroleum Hub Project
On Wednesday, the Coalition of Concerned Nzema People gathered at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy to express their strong opposition to the government’s proposed Petroleum Hub project, spearheaded by the private sector. The group is set to submit a petition to the Office of the Presidency as part of their campaign against the acquisition of 20,000 acres of land by the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC).
Isaac Kojo Ndede, an executive member of the Coalition, voiced the group’s frustrations, highlighting the plight of farmers who vacated their lands for the hub’s establishment under promises of alternative employment that have not materialized. “Some farmers have been put in a serious situation. We will continue to present our grievances to the government,” Ndede stated.
He further called on the government and stakeholders to provide updates on the hub’s status to alleviate rising tensions among the youth. “We want to see the willingness and commitment on the side of the government. As a youth group, we have done our part to calm our people, but now it is beyond us,” he added, expressing concerns about political deception aimed at winning votes.
Ndede emphasized the importance of proper consultation with rightful landowners, questioning the legitimacy of discussions held with individuals devoid of land ownership. “When you bypass the correct process and exclude the people in the villages, do you expect them to allow you to take the land without opposition?” he remarked during an interview with pressmen.
Background on the Petroleum Hub Project
The Petroleum Hub Development Project aims to acquire 20,000 acres in the Domunli enclave of Jomoro Municipality in Ghana’s Western Region. The initiative seeks to establish infrastructure for oil refining, petrochemical plants, and storage facilities, promising economic growth and job creation. However, it has raised significant concerns regarding transparency, improper land acquisition, environmental degradation, and lack of community engagement.
The PHDC has announced a Memorandum of Understanding with four companies, including Touchstone Capital Group Holdings Ltd. and UIC Energy Ghana Ltd., to fund the project’s first phase at an estimated cost of $12 billion. Nonetheless, doubts about the financial stability and track record of these partners have left local communities uncertain about the project’s viability.
Key Concerns Raised by the Coalition
- Lack of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): The project was initiated without proper community consultation.
- Legal and Constitutional Challenges: The compulsory acquisition of land raises questions about compliance with human rights standards.
- Environmental and Livelihood Risks: The Domunli Lagoon and local ecosystems are at risk of irreversible damage.
- Inadequate Compensation: Compensation packages do not reflect market value and lack provisions for long-term community impacts.
- Credibility of Project Partners: Concerns about the financial stability of key partners threaten the project’s success.
- Transparency Deficits: The lack of transparency in project financing raises accountability concerns.
The Coalition of Concerned Nzema People clarified that they are not against the development of the Petroleum Hub but seek responsible investments that align with community needs. They have formally requested that H.E. President John Dramani Mahama pause the acquisition process, investigate the project, and suspend any compulsory land acquisition.
By: Frank Owusu Obimpeh
