Fast-track petroleum hub project – Western NDC youth to government

The Western National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth wing has urged the government to fast-track the Petroleum Hub project to create jobs and transform the region’s economy.

The call formed part of 43 resolutions adopted at the 2nd Quadrennial Regional Youth Conference of the Western Regional Youth Wing, held at the Takoradi Technical University Auditorium from August 7 to 8, 2026.

The conference, held under the theme “Building on the Past: Empowering the Future,” brought together constituency and branch youth executives, TEIN representatives, party activists, government appointees, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders from across the region.

The youth wing said the Petroleum Hub had the potential to drive industrialisation, strengthen energy security, promote value addition and stimulate broad-based economic growth.

It therefore called on the government to prioritise and accelerate the project by ensuring timely infrastructure development, regulatory approvals, financing and investor engagement.

“The Conference reaffirmed its unwavering support for the establishment and accelerated implementation of the Petroleum Hub Project,” the communiqué stated.

Focus on jobs

The youth wing said the project should become a major source of sustainable employment for young people in the Western Region.

It called for opportunities in engineering, construction, logistics, manufacturing, ICT, environmental management and other related sectors.

The conference also urged government to expand technical and vocational training programmes to equip young people with the skills needed to take advantage of opportunities created by the project.

It further called for the full implementation of local content and local participation policies.

According to the communiqué, businesses and professionals from the Western Region and Ghana must be positioned to benefit meaningfully from the opportunities generated by the Petroleum Hub.

Infrastructure investment

The youth wing said the Petroleum Hub could not be implemented successfully without corresponding investment in critical infrastructure.

It called for improvements in roads, railways, ports, electricity, water supply, housing, healthcare, education and digital infrastructure.

The conference also urged continuous consultation with host communities, traditional authorities, local government authorities, civil society organisations, women and youth groups.

It said such engagement would promote transparency, inclusiveness and equitable distribution of the project’s benefits.

The youth wing also encouraged stronger collaboration between government, industry and tertiary institutions in the region.

It proposed specialised programmes in petroleum engineering, renewable energy, environmental science, logistics, and technical education to meet the human resource needs of the Petroleum Hub.

Wider regional development

Beyond the Petroleum Hub, the conference called for accelerated development of the Western Region.

It identified road rehabilitation, railway modernisation, expansion of the Takoradi Port, improved healthcare and educational infrastructure, water systems, agriculture and fisheries as key areas requiring attention.

The conference also commended President John Dramani Mahama, his government, Members of Parliament and government appointees for their efforts towards economic recovery and national development.

The conference was attended by Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Youth Development and Empowerment Minister George Opare Addo, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson, Council of State Member Maxwell Palasco Boakye and former Local Government and Rural Development Minister Akwasi Opong-Fosu.

The Western Regional Youth Wing reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, MPs, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to advance development in the region.