Ghana Exploration Wells to Be Drilled by Q3 2026 – Mahama

Ghana exploration wells project with GNPC vessel offshore and workers on drilling rig.

Accra, Ghana — September 16, 2025. President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and its exploration subsidiary Explorco will drill two new exploration wells by the end of Q3 2026, targeting both onshore and offshore basins.

The announcement was made during Africa Oil Week in Accra, where policymakers, industry leaders, and investors gathered to discuss the future of Africa’s petroleum sector.

Confirmed Government Commitment

Mahama said the Ghana exploration wells are a strategic part of the country’s broader energy development plan. He stressed that both onshore and offshore drilling will expand Ghana’s petroleum base, enhance self-reliance, and strengthen investor partnerships.

Specifically, the Voltaian Basin was highlighted as one of the most promising onshore frontiers. Mahama described the opportunity as unique, noting that Ghana intends to position itself as a competitive destination for oil and gas exploration.

“The Voltaian Basin has the potential to transform our exploration landscape. These wells will set the stage for Ghana’s next phase of energy growth,” Mahama said.

Farming Opportunities

According to the president, the two wells are structured as “unique farming opportunities.” This means investors, including international oil companies and regional operators, can participate by partnering with GNPC and Explorco.

Such partnerships are expected to share the financial and technical responsibilities of exploration while also opening Ghana’s upstream sector to wider participation. Mahama emphasized that the model is designed to attract investors who are eager to enter promising new frontiers.

The Role of GNPC and Explorco

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), established in 1983, is the state-owned enterprise responsible for petroleum exploration, licensing, and development. Its subsidiary, Explorco, was set up specifically to strengthen Ghana’s participation in upstream exploration projects.

With these new wells, GNPC and Explorco will take a central role in the country’s exploration efforts, working with potential partners under Ghana’s existing petroleum agreements.

This aligns with Ghana’s long-standing policy of ensuring state participation in exploration to secure revenues, build technical expertise, and ensure accountability in petroleum operations.

Petroleum Law Reform – Act 919

In addition to announcing the new wells, Mahama confirmed that the government is reviewing the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, 2016 (Act 919).

The Act was originally passed to regulate petroleum activities, ensure transparency, and provide guidelines for licensing and revenue management. The new review aims to align Ghana’s framework with global upstream industry trends, ensuring that the country remains attractive to investors while keeping up with international standards of governance.

This move reflects Ghana’s determination to maintain regulatory credibility in a highly competitive sector where many African nations are vying for the same pool of investment.

Africa Oil Week Context

The announcement took place at Africa Oil Week, a high-profile platform that brings together African governments, investors, and international oil companies. Ghana’s decision to use the event to unveil its drilling plans underscores the importance of both domestic and regional visibility.

By highlighting the Ghana exploration wells at such a forum, the government aimed to position the country as a reliable and forward-looking exploration hub.

Ghana’s Oil and Gas Journey So Far

Ghana’s emergence as an oil-producing nation began with the discovery of the Jubilee Field in 2007, which was developed and brought on stream by 2010. Since then, the country has added two more producing projects: the TEN Fields (Tweneboa, Enyenra, Ntomme) and the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) project.

Together, these fields have turned Ghana into a significant mid-level oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa. Gas from OCTP has been particularly important, supplying fuel for domestic power generation and reducing reliance on imports.

Despite these achievements, Ghana’s proven reserves remain smaller than those of Nigeria or Angola. That makes new exploration, including the Voltaian Basin, vital for sustaining production and meeting domestic energy needs.

Voltaian Basin – A New Frontier

The Voltaian Basin is one of the largest onshore sedimentary basins in Africa, covering nearly 104,000 square kilometers across central and northern Ghana. For decades, it has been considered a potential petroleum-bearing area, though it remains underexplored compared to offshore basins.

By drilling one of the Ghana exploration wells in the Voltaian Basin, GNPC aims to unlock the basin’s potential and diversify exploration away from offshore fields. Mahama has repeatedly described the Voltaian Basin as a “frontier opportunity” for both Ghana and Africa.

Why These Wells Matter

The drilling of the Ghana exploration wells carries several confirmed implications:

  • Energy Security: New discoveries could reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported fuels.
  • Investment Attraction: Framing the wells as farming opportunities helps bring in new partners.
  • Exploration Diversification: Expanding into onshore basins reduces reliance on offshore projects.
  • Regulatory Reform: Updating Act 919 ensures Ghana remains competitive and transparent.

While outcomes cannot be guaranteed in exploration, the government’s commitment and the international exposure through Africa Oil Week reinforce the significance of the program.

Regional and Global Context

The drilling program also comes at a time when many African countries are racing to explore and develop new petroleum resources. Countries like Namibia, Mozambique, and Senegal have attracted global attention with major discoveries in recent years.

By pursuing the Ghana exploration wells, the government signals its determination to remain relevant in Africa’s energy landscape. At the same time, Ghana’s decision to focus on both offshore and onshore blocks reflects a strategy of diversification in a competitive global environment.

Confirmed Timeline

  • Now – 2025: Preparatory work by GNPC and Explorco.
  • Q3 2026: Target for drilling of two new exploration wells.
  • Future: Outcomes to be announced based on results, with potential for further exploration phases.

Conclusion

The announcement that Ghana exploration wells will be drilled by Q3 2026 represents a clear and confirmed step in the country’s energy development strategy. With GNPC and Explorco leading the process, backed by legal reforms and investor-friendly structures, Ghana is reaffirming its position as a serious exploration destination in Africa.

The coming year will test the government’s ability to deliver on these commitments, but for now, the strategy has been clearly laid out and firmly anchored in policy.

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