President Akufo-Addo has dismissed a petition challenging the government’s acquisition of 20,000 acres of land at Bonyere in the Jomoro District of the Western Region for the establishment of a Petroleum Hub. The petition was filed by the Coalition of Concerned Nzema People, a group comprising various advocacy organizations including the Nzema Koyele Eku and Nzema Advocacy for Peace and Development.
The coalition, represented by its Convener, Elizabeth Allua Vaah, expressed concerns that the large-scale land acquisition would deprive local residents of their livelihoods and requested that the land area be reduced to 5,000 acres.
However, in a letter dated August 16 and signed by the President’s Executive Secretary and Ambassador, Nana Bediatuo Asante, the Presidency rejected the petition, citing a lack of evidence to support the claims made. The letter emphasized that all legal requirements for the land acquisition, including extensive stakeholder consultations, had been met.
The Presidency also referenced a 2021 High Court ruling that allowed the project to proceed, affirming that the land acquisition is being carried out in accordance with the Constitution and the Land Act of 2020.
“It is also noted that the 20,000 acres of land for the Petroleum Hub project is the subject of compulsory acquisition by the State in accordance with the Constitution and the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036). All processes for compulsory acquisition under the law have been complied with thus far, including extensive stakeholder consultations. It is, thus, palpably false to state that the land in question is being registered in the name of Awulae Annor Adjaye III,” the letter stated.
The statement concluded by confirming that the President will proceed with the sod-cutting ceremony for the commencement of the $60 billion Petroleum Hub Project, which is expected to include the construction of four refineries, two oil jetties, oil storage facilities, and a petrochemical plant. The project is anticipated to be 90% privately funded, with the government holding a 10% stake.
