Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah, has presented a bold and comprehensive vision for rejuvenating Ghana’s oil and gas sector.
Speaking under the summit’s theme, “Taking Ghana to the Next Level: Advancing Oil & Gas Exploration & Production,” Mr. Ntow addressed an audience comprising global energy leaders, policymakers, and investors.
Mr. Ntow attributed the declining output to a combination of waning productivity from existing oil fields, limited new exploration activity, and regulatory and fiscal policy uncertainties that have deterred investment.
“Achieving sustainable growth in Ghana’s oil and gas sector requires bold thinking and a willingness to embrace innovation.
“To truly take Ghana to the next level, we must go beyond drilling more wells. We need to reimagine our upstream strategy with data-driven decisions and modern technologies.”
Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)
His remarks come at a critical juncture for Ghana’s petroleum industry, which has seen its crude oil production fall from a peak of 195,750 barrels per day (bopd) in 2019 to approximately 110,500 bopd in recent years.
At the heart of GNPC’s renewed strategy is the deployment of advanced technologies aimed at improving exploration efficiency and production output.
Mr. Ntow outlined the Corporation’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), 4D seismic data, and Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) technologies to enhance subsurface imaging and reservoir management.
These innovations will enable more accurate identification of resource potential and reduce exploration risk. In particular, the Corporation is targeting the underexplored Voltaian Basin, where non-seismic techniques such as satellite imagery and Airborne Transient Pulse surveys will complement traditional methods.
“Technology is a game changer. It allows us to optimize drilling, improve safety, and manage reservoirs more effectively, and we cannot afford to lag behind.”
Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)
Mr. Ntow emphasized that reversing Ghana’s production decline also depends on investor confidence. He called for more stable, transparent, and investor-friendly regulatory frameworks to attract both local and foreign capital into upstream oil and gas.
“While Ghana’s geological prospects remain strong, we must address the perceived risks of frequent regulatory changes.
“GNPC itself is a local investor and shares these concerns. We need a new mindset—one that balances investment, innovation, and sustainability.”
Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)
He proposed that joint operator projects and the integration of marginal fields into shared developments could lower costs and increase efficiencies. He urged greater collaboration between international oil companies, local firms, and technology providers.
Positioning GNPC as a Centre of Excellence
Mr. Ntow reaffirmed GNPC’s commitment to supporting President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of transforming the Corporation into a centre of excellence for the oil and gas sector in Africa. This involves spearheading partnerships that build local capacity and advance Ghanaian technical expertise.
“GNPC will not only be a national oil company; it will be a benchmark for how upstream business is done in Africa.
“We will invest in people, processes, and partnerships that enable Ghana to lead the continent in responsible resource management.”
Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)
Beyond the immediate challenges of production recovery, Mr. Ntow stressed the importance of long-term sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social accountability. GNPC’s strategic direction aligns with global shifts toward decarbonization and cleaner energy alternatives.
“Resetting our upstream agenda is not just about boosting production—it’s about building a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Ghana.”
Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)
As part of this effort, GNPC will integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into its operational and investment decisions, ensuring that community and environmental considerations are embedded in all projects.
Mr. Ntow’s strategy, built on innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment, offers a roadmap for reversing production decline and strengthening Ghana’s position in the global energy market.
It also reflects the broader leadership agenda under the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, which seeks to balance Ghana’s economic development needs with global climate and energy sustainability goals.
As stakeholders left the summit, one thing was evident: GNPC is not merely responding to crisis—it is laying the groundwork for a transformative era in Ghana’s upstream oil and gas industry.
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