Petroleum Commission confirms plans for Voltaian Basin

By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Sekondi

Acting Chief Executive Officer-Petroleum Commission Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle has announced that the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) will drill two exploratory wells in the Voltaian Basin by third-quarter next year.

She noted that this marks a significant step toward unlocking Ghana’s next petroleum frontier and strengthening the nation’s upstream exploration activities.

Speaking at the 11th annual engagement with the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi, she pointed out that this development is a major milestone for the country’s petroleum industry.

“GNPC has assured us that by third-quarter next year they will drill two exploration wells – one in the Voltaian Basin’s northern part and one in the southern part.  And we know that we will hit it,” she said confidently.

She added that international oil companies including Tullow Oil and ENI have signed new agreements with the Commission, committing US$1.2 billion and       US$2 billion respectively to support ongoing petroleum operations.

Ms. Hardcastle said these renewed investments reflect growing confidence in Ghana’s oil and gas potential.

Incursion zone

The Acting CEO also appealed for traditional leaders to help create awareness among fisherfolks on the need to stay away from incursion zones near offshore installations.

She warned that any wrongful activity around the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units could lead to catastrophic consequences for the industry and the nation.

“Fishing around the FPSO may seem like a short-term gain, but one incident or fire outbreak can have devastating effects on the entire oil and gas industry,” she cautioned.

She emphasised that the Commission’s engagement with the House of Chiefs aims to deepen collaboration with traditional authorities, update them on ongoing projects and seek their input in addressing sector challenges.

On corporate social responsibility, Ms. Hardcastle highlighted several initiatives by the Commission and its partners – including planting 119 multipurpose trees at St. Mary’s High School and a donation of plastic receptacles for coastal communities to enhance recycling as well as scholarship packages, among others

She assured that the Commission will continue working with the Ministry of Finance, GNPC and other partners to renovate the Western Regional House of Chiefs’ building and facilitate procurement of a bus for their administrative use.

Nana Kobina Nketsia V

President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, commended the Commission for its continued engagement, noting that Nananom are “generational thinkers” whose efforts are geared toward the welfare of future generations.

“When Nananom demand something, it is not for personal gain but for the welfare of the people and generations yet to come,” he said.

He observed that despite over a decade of oil exploration the Western Region still lags behind in development, urging stakeholders to work together in ensuring Ghana’s natural resources deliver tangible benefits for its citizens.

“It is our collective duty to ensure that we leave behind a prosperous nation for the generations yet to come,” he emphasised.

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