GNPC explores hydrocarbon prospectivily of Ghana’s Volta basin

Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is currently exploring the hydrocarbon prospectivity of Ghana’s onshore sedimentary basin (Voltaian basin).

The prosectivity exploration is being conducted under a Reconnaissance license through a mix of geophysical, geological and geochemical techniques.

According to the CEO of GNPC Opoku Awheneeh Danquah, the Corporation is looking forward to “crown our efforts by drilling a well in Q4 2023”.

Mr. Opoku Danquah made this known in a statement at the 2023 Ghana Oil and Gas Roadshow on the Thursday January 12, 2023 in London.

“Subsequently, GNPC has transformed into a fully commercial state-owned entity with strategic objective of leading the sustainable exploration, development, production and disposal of the petroleum resources of Ghana, by leveraging the right mix of domestic and foreign investments in partnership with the people of Ghana.

“GNPC’s role is to ensure the efficient supply of natural gas from our oil and gas fields to Ghana National Gas Company to meet Ghana’s increasing energy needs by efficiently negotiating gas sales from our producing fields. As a partner in all Petroleum licenses, GNPC has developed diverse competencies across the entire value chain to support partners in the execution of agreed Work Programs.”

“Having worked with different Operators over the years, GNPC has developed a highly skilled and adaptable workforce embracing new technology and operating strategies of prospective partners. GNPC has over the years conducted regional studies on our own as well as commissioning third-party experts such as Robertson CGG and De-Goyler and Macnaughton to deepen our understanding of the Ghana sedimentary basins. GNPC is seeking to utilize our wealth of knowledge and expertise of the Ghana sedimentary basins in collaboration with new partners in unlocking remaining hydrocarbon potential for our mutual benefit.”

The statement further added, “in furtherance of our mandate of “leading sustainable exploration”, GNPC has obtained Reconnaissance licenses to explore our onshore and offshore basins. GNPC is currently exploring the hydrocarbon prospectivity of Ghana’s onshore sedimentary basin (Voltaian basin) under a Reconnaissance license through a mix of geophysical, geological and geochemical techniques and is looking to crown our efforts by drilling a well in Q4 2023.

“Additionally, GNPC operates the shallow water GH-WB-01 block under Reconnaissance license. Over the next two years, GNPC will acquire, process and interpret 3D seismic over the block to evaluate hydrocarbon potential and drill one (1) well.”

The Voltaian Basin is Ghana’s only inland basin and for several decades remained less explored compared to the offshore basins. It is large, occupying about 40% of the total landmass of Ghana, about 40,000 square miles (103,600 sq. km).