GNPC to drill two wells in Voltaian basin by Q3 2026 – CEO
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Emeafa Hardcastle, has said the Ghana National Petroleum Commission (GNPC) plans to drill two exploration wells in the Voltaian basin by third quarter in 2026.
Delivering a speech at the Volta Economic Forum on Friday, October 31, 2025, Madam Hardcastle noted that the successful exploration of the Voltaian Basin will signify a new dawn of onshore hydrocarbon exploitation and production in Ghana.
She noted that extensive consultations and engagements have taken place by joint efforts of the Petroleum Commission and GNPC with the communities in the catchment area of the Voltaian Basin project to secure a social license for exploitation.
She further disclosed that three other private E&P companies have secured licenses to undertake various exploration activities in the basin.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, let me add that besides the exploration activities being undertaken by GNPC three other private E&P companies have been granted licenses to undertake various exploration activities, including the drilling of exploratory wells at different locations within the basin,” she noted.
Madam Hardcastle noted that onshore oil projects in the Volta region will offer potential benefits such as increased government revenue through taxes and royalties for local development, job creation at the local level, local SME development and enhanced energy security by reducing reliance on imports at the macro level.
“These projects can also stimulate economic growth by attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and supporting local infrastructure development and cottage industries through economic linkages.”
She added that the Voltaian basin project, once it matures will be logistically simpler and less exposed to operational challenges of offshore operations and will create significant opportunities for local SMEs.
According to Emeafa Hardcastle, the Petroleum Commission is working to support legislative, policy, and administrative reforms to ensure Ghana’s petroleum sector will become a driver of inclusive growth.
The Commission’s programme involves working with the relevant government institutions such as GNPC, AG’s department, GRA and other oversight actors to support interventions aimed at developing the effective regulatory framework, revenue capture, management and accountability to ensure that Ghanaians benefit from the petroleum resources.
“As part of this process, the government is reviewing the Onshore Policy to promote greater participation (both in governance and productive processes) and promote wider access to the outcomes and benefits to be derived from activities in the basin,” she stressed.
She concluded that government is committed to ensuring the acceleration of exploration activities the Voltaian Basin, whihc she says potentially holds the key to Ghana’s oil and gas future.
She emphasised that following the drilling of the exploratory well(s), by GNPC next year, investors will be invited to acquire rights to conduct exploration and production activities in several acreages within the basin.