Construction of Ghana’s ambitious $60 billion Jomoro Petroleum Hub has been delayed as the government works to resolve outstanding land compensation issues. The project, designed to become one of Africa’s largest integrated oil and petrochemical developments, cannot begin its first phase until compensation agreements with affected landowners are completed.
The Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), which is overseeing the project, said construction could begin before the end of 2026 once the remaining land acquisition challenges are addressed. Initial contracts for the first phase have already been signed, with the compensation process identified as the final requirement before work starts.
The first phase of the project will include a 300,000-barrel-per-day refinery, a petrochemical plant, storage facilities, and a marine terminal. Construction is expected to take about five years, while the full three-phase development is projected to require investments of around $60 billion.
The project has faced opposition from some local communities concerned about land loss and potential environmental impacts. Following consultations and petitions, PHDC reduced the required project area from 20,000 acres to 12,500 acres to address some of the concerns raised by residents.
The Jomoro Petroleum Hub is a key part of Ghana’s strategy to strengthen its energy sector and position the country as a regional refining and export centre. The facility’s coastal location, with deeper waters than Ghana’s existing Port of Tema, is expected to allow access for larger vessels and support crude imports and refined fuel exports.
Ghana and other West African countries continue to rely heavily on imported petroleum products, despite significant crude oil resources in the region. With rising fuel demand, the Jomoro project aims to improve regional energy security, reduce import dependence, and create a major industrial hub serving markets across West Africa and beyond.
