President Akufo-Addo has rejected a petition challenging the government and the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation’s (PHDC) acquisition of approximately 20,000 acres of land in Bonyere, Jomoro District, Western Region.

The petition, filed by the Coalition of Concerned Nzema People—which includes Nzema Koyele Eku and Nzema Advocacy for Peace and Development raised concerns that the large-scale land acquisition for a petroleum hub would adversely affect local residents by depriving them of their means of livelihood.

The coalition requested a reduction in the land area from 20,000 acres to 5,000 acres. The petition was signed by Elizabeth Allua Vaah, the coalition’s convener.

In response, the Presidency, through a letter dated August 16 and signed by Nana Bediatuo Asante, the President's Executive Secretary and Ambassador, dismissed the petition.

The letter stated that the petition lacked adequate supporting documentation for its claims.

It emphasized that all legal requirements, including stakeholder consultations, had been met for the land acquisition. The letter referenced a 2021 High Court ruling that validated the project and confirmed that the acquisition complies with the Land Act of 2020 and the Constitution.

The letter asserted, “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 statement concluded by affirming that the petition was dismissed and that the President would proceed with the scheduled sod-cutting ceremony to initiate the Petroleum Hub Project for the nation’s benefit.

“In light of the above, your petition is accordingly dismissed. The President of the Republic will undertake the sod-cutting, as scheduled, for the commencement of the Petroleum Hub Project for the benefit of the country,” the statement concluded.