Tullow Plc has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Ghana’s energy sector, with Board Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko assuring President John Mahama of the company’s unwavering dedication to sustainable and responsible oil and gas development. In a high-level meeting, Nhleko underscored Tullow’s nearly two-decade partnership with Ghana, a cornerstone of the country’s upstream energy sector and a key driver of economic transformation.
The meeting, held at the presidential office, was not only a reaffirmation of Tullow’s role as a strategic partner but also an opportunity to introduce Richard Miller, the company’s interim Group CEO, to Ghana’s leadership. Miller steps into the role at a crucial juncture, following the departure of Rahul Dhir, who served as CEO for four years. With new leadership and fresh investments on the horizon, Tullow is poised to strengthen its footprint in Ghana while supporting the country’s ambitions for energy security and economic growth.
$19 Billion Invested and Counting: Tullow’s Impact on Ghana’s Energy Landscape
As the lead operator of Ghana’s flagship oil fields, Jubilee and TEN, Tullow has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s oil and gas sector. To date, the company and its partners have invested more than $19 billion in exploration, production, and infrastructure, generating over $6 billion in direct government revenue. This significant financial commitment reflects Tullow’s long-term stake in Ghana’s energy future and its broader goal of ensuring that oil and gas resources contribute meaningfully to national development.
Nhleko emphasised that Tullow’s operations are not just about extracting resources but about doing so in a way that is both “efficient and environmentally responsible.” He stressed that maximising Ghana’s hydrocarbon resources must align with sustainability principles to ensure long-term benefits for both the industry and the nation.
Beyond its core oil operations, Tullow is increasingly focused on the potential of natural gas as a catalyst for economic expansion. Nhleko reiterated the company’s support for Ghana’s drive to develop its gas infrastructure, citing gas as a crucial enabler of industrial growth, job creation, and energy security. However, he also called for a stable and transparent regulatory framework, noting that a predictable investment climate is key to attracting long-term capital and sustaining partnerships between the private sector and the government.
Fostering Investment and a Pro-Business Environment
President Mahama acknowledged the indispensable role of the energy sector in Ghana’s economic transformation, reinforcing the need to fully unlock the country’s gas resources. He echoed Nhleko’s sentiments about the importance of creating a favorable business environment, calling for “an economic reset” that encourages investment and innovation in the energy space.
The meeting brought together key players in Ghana’s energy sector, including the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Jinapor, GNPC Acting CEO Kwame Ntow Amoah, and Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawa Mogtari. Representing Tullow Ghana were Managing Director Jean-Medard Madama and Deputy Managing Director Cynthia Lumor, further solidifying the company’s commitment at the highest levels.
Beyond Oil: Tullow’s Commitment to Social and Economic Development
Tullow’s engagement with Ghana extends beyond energy production, with the company actively investing in social development initiatives. A testament to this is its $10 million pledge to enhance educational infrastructure in 15 senior secondary schools over the next five years. Additionally, through its Fisherman’s Anchor Project, Tullow is supporting coastal livelihoods by creating alternative job opportunities for fisherfolk in the Western Region. These initiatives underscore the company’s broader commitment to sustainable development and local capacity building.
Looking Ahead: Future Drilling and Exploration Plans
On the operational front, Tullow has embarked on a 4D seismic survey across the Jubilee and TEN fields, an initiative aimed at optimising drilling activities from 2025 onward. The survey, which commenced in January 2025 and is expected to conclude in March, is a critical step in identifying high-potential drilling zones that will ensure efficient and sustainable resource extraction.
As Tullow navigates its next phase in Ghana, its leadership remains focused on balancing commercial success with national development goals. With billions already invested, strong partnerships in place, and strategic plans for the future, the company continues to position itself as a key player in Ghana’s evolving energy landscape.