Ghana to begin first large scale onshore oil exploration in Voltaian Basin

Ghana is set to commence its first large scale onshore petroleum exploration in the Voltaian Basin, marking a significant step in the country’s search for new oil and gas reserves.

Sources at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation indicate that the exploration will cover more than 100,000 square kilometres, a span larger than all existing offshore blocks combined. The corporation believes the basin could represent the next major breakthrough in Ghana’s petroleum sector.

The Voltaian Basin, located in the northern part of the country, stretches across 460 communities in 13 districts, including 10 in the Northern Region and three in the Savannah Region. It has been described as Ghana’s next major hydrocarbon frontier.

GNPC Explorco, the exploration subsidiary of the corporation, is expected to undertake drilling activities in several districts in the Northern Region, including Yendi Municipal, Mion District, Zabzugu District, Tatale Sanguli District, Nanumba North Municipal, Nanumba South District, Saboba District, Chereponi District, Gushiegu Municipal and Karaga District.

In the Savannah Region, exploration will extend to East Gonja Municipal, North East Gonja District and Central Gonja District.

The company completed an aerial survey of the basin on March 18, 2026, as part of preparatory work for the exploration phase.

Traditional authorities and other stakeholders in the affected areas are keenly awaiting the outcome of the surveys as anticipation builds over the potential discovery of commercially viable hydrocarbon resources.