Dr. Toni Aubynn, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), has terminated the appointments of three staff members who were due for confirmation at the end of March 2025.
The affected individuals—Emmanuel Aboagye Wiafe, Manager for Communications and Corporate Affairs; Emma Abakah, Business Manager at the office of the CEO; and Kwabena Debrah, Deputy Director of Operations and Technical—were employed in October 2024 and had completed their six-month probation period.
Reports suggest that Dr. Aubynn has already recruited replacements for the dismissed officers.
This decision has sparked conversations within PHDC, particularly as Dr. Aubynn had earlier emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving the corporation’s goals.
Upon assuming office, he addressed the staff, underscoring the need for collaboration to elevate the institution and solidify Ghana’s position as a key player in West Africa’s petroleum sector.
PHDC is a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Ghana into a major petroleum hub. The corporation aligns with the government’s vision under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to maximize Africa’s oil and gas resources beyond crude oil exports.
The PHDC project seeks to establish an integrated oil and gas infrastructure in Ghana’s Western Region, facilitating the monetization of resources for the production of essential by-products such as plastics, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals.
The project, approved in 2019 under the leadership of then-Energy Minister John Peter Amewu, is valued at an estimated $60 billion. It is expected to be funded by the private sector and implemented in phases over a decade.
Located in the Domunli enclave in Jomoro Municipality, the hub is envisioned to house three refineries, five petrochemical plants, jetties, storage tanks, gas infrastructure, and other facilities. The government’s role includes providing land, tax incentives, and essential infrastructure to support investors.
The recent staff terminations within PHDC highlight ongoing internal restructuring under Dr. Aubynn’s leadership, raising questions about the corporation’s strategic direction and its approach to achieving Ghana’s energy ambitions.