Voltaian Basin Set for First Exploration Wells in 2026
Ghana is stepping up onshore petroleum exploration in the Voltaian Basin, a large geological area spanning eight regions of the country, as part of efforts to expand the nation’s energy reserves and reduce future supply risks.
Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, announced the move during the Volta Economic Forum in Anloga, where government officials, traditional leaders and private sector representatives discussed investment prospects in the Volta Region.
Strategic Shift Toward Onshore Reserves
Ghana’s oil and gas production has mainly taken place offshore in fields such as Jubilee, TEN and Sankofa. However, the Voltaian Basin has been identified as the next potential source of reserves.
“The Voltaian Basin covers about 40 percent of Ghana’s landmass, yet remains one of the least explored,” Hardcastle said. She explained that developing the basin could support long-term planning for the petroleum sector.
GNPC Advances Seismic Work, Targets 2026 Drilling
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has completed the third phase of its 2D seismic data acquisition and interpretation in the basin. The data will guide exploration well locations and reduce uncertainty.
“GNPC plans to drill two exploration wells in the basin by the third quarter of 2026,” Hardcastle confirmed. The outcome of the drilling will determine the basin’s commercial viability.
Private Sector Participation Growing
Three private exploration and production companies have already received licenses to conduct surveys and preparatory work at different locations within the basin.
Hardcastle noted that these activities complement GNPC’s programme and broaden the technical understanding of the basin.
Investment Window to Open After Initial Wells
Once GNPC drills the initial exploration wells and the results are assessed, government will open the basin to investment bids. The area available for exploration rights covers about 103,000 square kilometres.
Environmental and Social Safeguards
The Petroleum Commission says exploration activity in the basin will follow Ghana’s environmental standards, with community consultations being a key part of the process. The aim is to avoid disruptions to farming, water sources and livelihoods.
Economic Prospects for the Volta Corridor
Regional leaders at the forum said successful onshore petroleum development could support job creation, infrastructure expansion and industrial activity along the Volta Economic Corridor, strengthening its position as an emerging economic zone.
