GNPC at 40: Leading Ghana’s Energy Strategy at Africa Oil Week 2025
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), marking its 40th anniversary, took center stage at the 2025 Africa Oil Week (AOW) in Accra, reinforcing its position as the anchor institution in Ghana’s petroleum sector. As the Lead National Partner for the conference, GNPC leveraged the platform to articulate its strategic vision for driving Ghana’s energy future.
In his opening address, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama underscored GNPC's pivotal role, announcing that GNPC and its subsidiary, GNPC Explorco, will proceed with drilling two exploration wells in the onshore Voltaian Basin. This initiative represents a significant step toward unlocking Ghana’s frontier petroleum resources.
President Mahama also presided over the signing of a US$1.5 billion Memorandum of Intent between the Government of Ghana, GNPC, Eni, and Vitol. GNPC CEO Kwame Ntow Amoah, who signed on behalf of the Corporation, commented: “This partnership is a testament to sustained investor confidence in Ghana. It strategically positions GNPC to continue anchoring Ghana’s upstream ambitions through collaborative development and increased production.”
During a tour of GNPC’s exhibition booth, GNPC Geologist Clarissa Amanda Pardie provided a technical briefing on the Voltaian Basin Project. She highlighted the extensive data sets acquired and interpreted to date, noting confirmed hydrocarbon seepages in both the northern and southern sections of the basin. These findings validate the presence of a viable petroleum system, positioning the Voltaian Basin as a prime investment opportunity.
“The encouraging data sets demonstrate that the Voltaian Basin holds substantial petroleum potential ready for exploration,” Ms. Pardie stated.
The conference culminated in the Ghana Energy Day, where Mr. Ntow Amoah delivered a presentation on the National Oil Company’s role in advancing exploration and production. He shared insights into GNPC’s strategic pillars: de-risking basins through comprehensive data acquisition, accelerating resource development, and ensuring long-term energy security for the nation.
Joining a subsequent panel discussion on enhancing upstream competitiveness, Mr. Amoah argued that competitiveness extends beyond fiscal incentives. “It is fundamentally about clarity, comprehensive data, and robust infrastructure,” he explained, emphasizing that leadership and flexibility are equally critical.
“Safeguarding both national and investor interests is achievable, but it requires leadership that builds consensus and agreements that are adaptable to evolving industry cycles.”
GNPC concluded its participation by reaffirming its commitment as the domestic anchor investor, focusing on frontier exploration, the development of marginal fields through clustering, and fostering sustainable partnerships.
“We are the domestic investor, the anchor, and the steadfast partner dedicated to ensuring Ghana’s resources are developed for national prosperity,” Mr. Amoah concluded.
Africa Oil Week 2025 will be remembered as a definitive moment for both Ghana and GNPC in shaping the future of the continent’s energy sector.