GNPC Exploration and Production Limited has issued a scoping notice for a proposed Volta Basin Exploratory Drilling Project, marking a new phase in efforts to evaluate Ghana’s onshore hydrocarbon potential.

In a statement released by the company, the project will involve exploratory drilling within the GH-VB-01 block located in the Volta Basin.

The proposed project forms part of broader national efforts to better understand Ghana’s petroleum potential beyond offshore fields that currently dominate the country’s oil production.

According to the company, the notice has been issued to inform stakeholders and the general public as part of regulatory requirements governing environmental impact assessments for petroleum projects.

In the statement, the company explained that the objective of the drilling programme is to confirm whether commercially viable hydrocarbon deposits exist in the basin.

“GNPC EXPLORCO Limited Company intends to undertake an onshore oil and gas drilling project in the GH-VB-01 block covering a land area of approximately 5,480 square kilometres in the Gushiegu and Mion Districts in the Northern Region of Ghana.”
GNPC EXPLORCO

It further explained that the wells are intended to provide crucial subsurface information that will guide future exploration activities.

“The overall project will involve the drilling of two wells in the VB-GH-01 block to a depth of about 2000 metres. The purpose of drilling these exploratory wells is to confirm the presence of oil or gas and evaluate the reservoir properties.”
GNPC EXPLORCO

The drilling process will also involve collecting geological and technical data that could reveal the structure and characteristics of potential hydrocarbon reservoirs beneath the basin.

Environmental Assessment Process Begins

The scoping notice forms an important step in Ghana’s environmental review process for petroleum activities.

According to the company, the notice is being issued to comply with national environmental regulations governing oil and gas projects.

“Notice of the proposed onshore oil and gas drilling project in the GH-VB-01 block is hereby served for public information as required under the procedure for the conduct of EIA.”
GNPC EXPLORCO

The Environmental Impact Assessment will be conducted in line with the Environmental Protection (Petroleum) Regulations and other statutory guidelines designed to ensure sustainable development of petroleum resources.

These regulations aim to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of exploration activities before drilling operations begin.

As part of the environmental review process, stakeholders, local communities, and interested members of the public are being invited to participate by sharing feedback and concerns.

The company emphasised that stakeholder engagement remains a critical component of responsible resource development.

“Stakeholders and members of the public with relevant concerns or insights regarding potential environmental impacts are encouraged to submit their inputs as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process.”
GNPC EXPLORCO

Public consultation will help ensure that the concerns of communities within the project area are addressed before any major exploration activity takes place.

This approach also aligns with Ghana’s broader policy of ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources.

Expanding Ghana’s Onshore Petroleum Potential

Ghana’s oil and gas industry has historically been dominated by offshore production fields, particularly along the country’s western coast. However, exploration within the Volta Basin has long been considered a strategic priority due to its geological potential.

The basin stretches across a significant portion of eastern and northern Ghana and has been the subject of multiple geological studies over the years.

Industry experts believe that successful exploration in the region could significantly expand Ghana’s petroleum resource base while also promoting economic development in northern parts of the country.

The proposed drilling programme by GNPC EXPLORCO is therefore seen as a crucial step toward unlocking the basin’s hydrocarbon prospects and gathering the scientific data needed to determine its commercial viability.

While the project remains in the early stages, the completion of environmental assessments and exploratory drilling will provide clearer insights into the future role of the Volta Basin in Ghana’s energy landscape.

Officials say the process will be carried out with strict adherence to environmental safeguards and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible exploration and sustainable development.