Explorco reaffirms commitment to begin Voltaian Basin drilling in Q4 2026

GNPC Exploration and Production Limited Company (Explorco) has reaffirmed its commitment to commence its onshore drilling campaign in the Voltaian Basin in the fourth quarter of 2026 as it works towards becoming an independent Ghanaian oil and gas operator.

The company disclosed this at its maiden Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Accra Marriott Hotel on Tuesday, October 27.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, said the government expects the company to begin the drilling campaign as scheduled.

He also urged Explorco's management to ensure strict adherence to due process and conduct thorough due diligence throughout the execution of the project.

The Voltaian Basin project is considered an important part of Explorco's ambition to develop its technical capacity and establish itself as a credible operator in Ghana's upstream petroleum industry.

On his part, Chairman of Explorco's Board, Dr Aaron Issa Anafure, said the transition to direct operatorship requires technical competence, effective project management, procurement integrity, risk management and strong stakeholder relationships.

He described the Voltaian Basin project as a national learning and capacity-building initiative that could shape the future of Ghana's upstream petroleum industry.

Also speaking at the meeting, Managing Director Samuel Opoku Arthur outlined operational progress across the company's existing assets in the Jubilee and Tweneboa-Enyenra-Ntomme (TEN) fields, as well as preparations towards the Voltaian Basin drilling campaign.

Presenting the company's 2025 financial performance, Mr Opoku Arthur reported improvements in revenue and profitability, stronger cash generation and a significant reduction in overall borrowings.

He, however, acknowledged that the company continues to manage outstanding financial obligations and receivables.

Explorco also reaffirmed its commitment to safety, local content integration and operational efficiency as it pursues its ambition of becoming a fully independent operator.