President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that Explorco, the exploration arm of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), will commence onshore drilling in the Voltaian Basin before the end of 2026 as part of efforts to assess the basin’s commercial oil and gas potential.
He made the announcement during the sod-cutting ceremony for Phase Two of the Sentuo Oil Refinery Project in Tema, where he highlighted government’s broader strategy to expand Ghana’s petroleum production capacity and strengthen energy security.
According to the President, geological assessments have indicated that the Voltaian Basin holds significant hydrocarbon prospects, and the upcoming drilling programme will be crucial in determining whether the reserves can be commercially developed.
The initiative is expected to mark Ghana’s most significant onshore exploration effort in years, complementing existing offshore production activities.
President Mahama also outlined plans for a major upgrade of the Sentuo Oil Refinery, noting that the facility’s processing capacity will increase from 40,000 barrels per day to 100,000 barrels per day upon completion of Phase Two.
He said the expansion forms part of a national drive to reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products, improve energy self-sufficiency, and position Ghana as a regional hub for petroleum refining and distribution.
He further expressed optimism that combined output from the expanded Sentuo refinery and the anticipated full operationalisation of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) would enable Ghana to meet domestic fuel demand and export surplus products to neighbouring countries.
President Mahama stressed that the government’s petroleum strategy is focused on maximising value from natural resources while driving industrial growth, job creation, and broader economic transformation.
Meanwhile, GNPC Explorco is ramping up preparations for the drilling campaign, with plans to spud its first exploratory well in the Voltaian Basin by the fourth quarter of 2026. The company has also been engaging traditional authorities and regulatory bodies across northern Ghana to ensure smooth implementation of the project.
Executive Chairman of Sentuo Oil Refinery, Ningquan Xu, described the Phase II expansion as a key milestone for Ghana’s industrial future, saying it will significantly strengthen the country’s refining capacity and economic prospects.
He noted that the project represents a major step toward positioning Ghana as a competitive player in the regional petroleum industry.
