The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, has confirmed that the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) will commence drilling in the Voltain Basin petroleum block by the first quarter of 2026.
The announcement marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector as the country seeks to expand its hydrocarbon resource base, enhance energy security, and attract global investment.
Speaking during a working visit to Zeal Environmental Technologies, a local petroleum service provider, at its Nyankrom plant in the Shama District of the Western Region, Madam Hardcastle said the Commission is determined to reposition Ghana as a competitive investment hub for international supermajors.
“We are supporting GNPC to begin work on the Voltain Basin as part of our strategy to broaden Ghana’s petroleum portfolio.
“The commencement of drilling in 2026 will be a defining moment, and we expect indigenous companies to rise to the challenge by playing a greater role in the petroleum value chain.”
Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission
The Voltain Basin project has long been viewed as one of Ghana’s most promising onshore exploration prospects.
The drilling in the basin could significantly boost Ghana’s proven reserves, which currently stand at about 660 million barrels of oil and 1.7 trillion cubic feet of gas.
Madam Hardcastle said the Petroleum Commission is taking deliberate steps to create an enabling environment for both local and international players.
“Our goal is to make Ghana one of the most attractive destinations for upstream oil and gas investment.
“The Voltain Basin represents an opportunity not just for resource discovery but for building a more resilient and inclusive energy sector.”
Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission
Local Content at the Forefront
The Acting CEO emphasized the importance of local content in the sector, urging companies like Zeal Environmental Technologies to position themselves for upcoming opportunities.
“Ghana must maximise the benefits of the Voltain Basin exploration.
“That means more participation of indigenous firms in services such as logistics, waste management, drilling support, and technology deployment.”
Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission
She further noted that the Commission would intensify its engagement with local service providers to build capacity and ensure that the country retains greater value from petroleum operations.
During the visit, Madam Hardcastle commended Zeal for its pioneering role in petroleum waste management in Ghana’s offshore industry. She said the company’s track record in environmental management demonstrated that Ghanaian firms have the capacity to deliver world-class services.
“I am impressed with the strides Zeal has made in petroleum waste management.
Your role in ensuring sustainable operations in offshore petroleum activities is commendable. As we move into the Voltain Basin, we expect companies like Zeal to scale up and continue to set high standards.”
Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission
Industry Perspectives
The Founder and Board Chairman of Zeal Environmental Technologies, Kwaku Ennin, welcomed the Petroleum Commission’s engagement and pledged the company’s readiness to support Ghana’s upstream growth.
“We appreciate the Commission’s efforts to involve local service providers in its strategy for the Voltain Basin. “The government must, however, do more to make Ghana’s oil and gas sector more attractive to investors, especially as global competition for energy capital intensifies.
Kwaku Ennin, Founder and Board Chairman of Zeal Environmental Technologies
Mr. Ennin added, “With the right policies and infrastructure, Ghana can become a true hub for petroleum investment in Africa.”
Established under Act 821 of 2011, following the discovery of petroleum in commercial quantities, the Petroleum Commission is mandated to regulate and manage the utilisation of Ghana’s petroleum resources and to coordinate upstream petroleum policies.
The visit to Zeal formed part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration with local service providers and to ensure that Ghanaian firms are better integrated into the petroleum value chain.
With drilling in the Voltain Basin set to begin in early 2026, stakeholders are optimistic that the development could unlock new opportunities for growth in Ghana’s petroleum sector.
The challenge, however, lies in balancing foreign investment with local participation, ensuring environmental sustainability, and preparing the workforce for emerging industry demands.
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