President John Dramani Mahama has announced that GNPC Explorco will commence onshore drilling activities in the Voltaian Basin before the end of 2026 as Ghana intensifies efforts to expand its petroleum resource base.
The President made the announcement during the sod-cutting ceremony for Phase Two of the Sentuo Oil Refinery project in Tema.
According to President Mahama, the Voltaian Basin has shown significant hydrocarbon potential, and the upcoming drilling campaign will be crucial in determining the commercial viability of oil and gas reserves in the area.
He also disclosed that the Phase Two expansion of the Sentuo refinery will increase its processing capacity from 40,000 barrels per day to 100,000 barrels per day, strengthening Ghana’s domestic refining capability and enhancing national energy security.
The President noted that the expansion forms part of broader government efforts to reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products and position Ghana as a major fuel supply hub within the West African sub-region.
He expressed optimism that the combined output from the expanded Sentuo refinery and the eventual full operationalisation of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) would enable Ghana to meet local fuel demand while producing surplus volumes for export to neighbouring countries.
President Mahama said the government remains committed to maximising value from Ghana’s petroleum resources to support industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth.
GNPC Explorco is expected to drill its maiden exploration well in the Voltaian Basin by the fourth quarter of 2026 and has already intensified stakeholder engagements across northern Ghana, including consultations with traditional authorities and regulatory institutions.
Executive Chairman of Sentuo Oil Refinery, Ningquan Xu, described the Phase Two expansion as a transformative project that will make a significant contribution to Ghana’s industrial and economic development.