GNPC Explorco to Begin Crude Oil Exploration in Ghana’s Voltaian Basin in 2026
GNPC Explorco, the exploration and production subsidiary of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), is preparing to commence crude oil exploration in Ghana’s Northern Region as part of a broader strategy to expand the country’s energy sector and support economic growth.
The planned exploration will focus on the Voltaian Basin, which covers large parts of the Northern Region and is widely believed to hold significant oil and gas potential.
The basin is increasingly viewed as Ghana’s next major onshore hydrocarbon frontier.
As part of preparations, a GNPC Explorco delegation led by Principal Corporate Affairs Officer Kwasi Appiah spent three days in Tamale engaging with key stakeholders ahead of drilling activities scheduled for 2026.
The visit aimed to strengthen partnerships with regional and municipal authorities and ensure alignment with local development priorities.
Mr. Appiah said GNPC Explorco is currently conducting seismic surveys across the basin, with exploration and production activities expected to follow.
The Northern Region will serve as the operational base as the company prepares to begin drilling in the third quarter of 2026.
“We are carrying out seismic surveys now, and exploration and production will follow. The Northern Region will be our base as we get ready to begin drilling in 2026,” he said.
He emphasised that GNPC Explorco is committed to maximising local participation by prioritising Ghanaian employment, skills development, and capacity building throughout the project lifecycle.
“Our objective is to build national capacity for independent operations and to lead the exploration of Ghana’s inland sedimentary basins, particularly the Voltaian Basin,” Mr. Appiah said.
During the stakeholder engagement, the GNPC Explorco team met with the Northern Regional Minister, the Regional Coordinating Director, and the Mayor of Tamale to ensure the company’s 2026 exploration plans are aligned with regional development goals.
