President John Dramani Mahama has announced that GNPC Explorco, the exploration and operating arm of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), will commence onshore drilling in the Voltaian Basin before the end of 2026.
The President said the initiative marks a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to expand oil and gas exploration beyond the country’s offshore fields, where all commercial petroleum discoveries have so far been made.
He explained that the move forms part of the government’s broader industrialization agenda aimed at ensuring Ghana derives greater value from its natural resources instead of relying on the export of raw materials.
“I’m also happy to report that Explorco, which is the operating arm of GNPC, is poised to begin onshore drilling in the Voltaian Basin before the end of this year. When I say onshore, it means on land. So far, all our discoveries have been offshore in the sea. We’ve discovered a lot of potential onshore, and so GNPC, through Explorco, will start drilling wells to explore that oil before the end of this year.” President Mahama said.
According to the President, the government’s strategy seeks to reposition Ghana into a country that processes, manufactures, refines and adds value to its natural resources to create jobs, strengthen local industries and improve livelihoods.
“The future belongs to nations that move beyond the export of raw materials and embrace value addition. The future belongs to nations that refine, manufacture and export their finished products.” He stated.
President Mahama said this vision underpins the government’s support for expanding the Sentuo Refinery, describing the investment as critical to strengthening Ghana’s industrial base, deepening the country’s energy value chain, creating employment opportunities and advancing the transformation of Ghana into a modern industrial economy.
Source: Newspyramid.com
