Dr Tony Aubynn calls for new economic partnership with diaspora at DREC 2025 in UK

The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr Tony Aubynn, has called for a bold and forward-looking economic partnership between Ghana and its diaspora community.

He delivered the message at the Diaspora Reset Engagement Conference (DREC 2025) held in Birmingham, United Kingdom, where he urged Ghanaians abroad to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the country’s energy and industrial ecosystems.

Addressing the diverse audience of investors, policymakers, and professionals, Dr Aubynn stated that Ghana is entering a defining decade where the joint efforts of the state, private sector, and diaspora will determine the scale of national transformation. He emphasised that the Petroleum Hub project, set to anchor one of Africa’s largest energy and petrochemical complexes, requires not only global partnerships but also strategic diaspora participation.

“The time has come for a new generation of economic alliances between Ghana and its diaspora,” Dr Aubynn said.

“The Petroleum Hub is a game-changing national asset, and we need our diaspora as co-investors, innovators, and partners in expanding Ghana’s energy economy.”

Dr Aubynn outlined several high-impact avenues through which the diaspora can participate in Ghana’s development and benefit from long-term returns. These include:

Diaspora Bonds for Energy and Industrial Infrastructure

He proposed the introduction of dedicated diaspora bonds to mobilise capital for refinery development, petrochemical facilities, logistics infrastructure, and energy transition projects—offering competitive returns and backed by transparent governance.

Co-Investments in Large-Scale Energy Projects

Dr Aubynn encouraged diaspora investors to participate in co-investment frameworks that allow them to partner with institutional investors, private equity funds, and state-backed entities to finance the Petroleum Hub’s multi-billion-dollar infrastructure network.

Financing Local Startups and SME Supply Chains

He emphasised the importance of developing a strong local ecosystem to support the hub, urging diasporans to support local start-ups, SMEs, and service companies in logistics, maintenance, fabrication, technology solutions, and energy services.

“It is not only about investing in refineries and petrochemical plants,” he explained.

“It is also about nurturing the local entrepreneurs and innovators who will supply, maintain, and sustain the hub. The diaspora can play a catalytic role in financing Ghana’s next generation of energy and industrial start-ups.”

Dr Aubynn highlighted the Petroleum Hub’s integrated structure—refineries, petrochemical plants, storage terminals, marine facilities, and supporting infrastructure—positioning it as the backbone of Ghana’s long-term industrialisation programme and a competitive force in the regional energy market.

He noted that PHDC has strengthened its investment frameworks, transparency mechanisms, and governance structures to ensure that diaspora investments are secure, impactful, and profitable.

DREC 2025, held under the theme “Connecting Global Talent to Local Transformation,” brought together diasporans from Europe, North America, and Africa. Organisers praised Dr Aubynn’s intervention as one of the most strategic calls to action for diaspora engagement in Ghana’s emerging industrial landscape.

“Working together, we can build an energy ecosystem that powers Ghana’s next 50 years,” Dr Aubynn concluded.

“With diaspora bonds, co-investments, and support for local start-ups, the Petroleum Hub can become a global model for African-led industrial transformation.”

The CEO’s message was well received, with participants expressing strong interest in exploring investment and partnership pathways with the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation.