President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Explorco, the exploration subsidiary of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), will commence onshore drilling in the Voltaian Basin before the end of 2026 as Ghana intensifies efforts to unlock new petroleum reserves and strengthen long-term energy security.
The President made the announcement during the sod-cutting ceremony for Phase Two of the Sentuo Oil Refinery Project in Tema, describing the planned drilling programme as a significant milestone in the country’s strategy to expand its hydrocarbon resource base beyond the existing offshore oil fields.
According to President Mahama, geological studies have identified the Voltaian Basin as an area with considerable petroleum potential, making the upcoming drilling campaign a critical step in determining whether commercially viable oil and gas deposits exist in the basin.
He said the exploration initiative underscores the government’s commitment to diversifying Ghana’s petroleum resources while reducing the risks associated with relying predominantly on offshore production.
The President noted that successful exploration in the Voltaian Basin could open a new chapter for Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry, creating opportunities for increased investment, job creation and enhanced domestic energy production.
President Mahama also highlighted the strategic importance of expanding the country’s refining capacity through the Sentuo Oil Refinery Project.
He explained that Phase Two of the refinery will increase its crude oil processing capacity from 40,000 barrels per day to 100,000 barrels per day upon completion.
According to him, the expansion will significantly strengthen Ghana’s petroleum refining capabilities, reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products and improve the country’s capacity to meet growing domestic fuel demand.
The President said the increased refining capacity aligns with the government’s broader vision of positioning Ghana as a major petroleum processing and energy hub within the West African sub-region.
He stressed that investments across the petroleum value chain, from exploration and production to refining and distribution remain essential to driving industrialisation, enhancing energy security and supporting sustained economic growth.
President Mahama added that combining new upstream exploration with expanded downstream infrastructure would enable Ghana to maximise the value of its natural resources while creating greater economic opportunities for businesses and citizens.
The planned drilling in the Voltaian Basin and the expansion of the Sentuo Oil Refinery, he noted, demonstrate the government’s commitment to building a more resilient and competitive energy sector capable of supporting the country’s long-term development agenda.
