GNPC moves to drill first Voltaian Basin well

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has announced progress on its flagship exploration programme in the Voltaian Basin, with preparations underway for the drilling of the TUA 1X well at Chegu in the Mion District.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of GNPC, Kwame Ntow Amoah, the move towards the TUA 1X well represents the culmination of years of technical work and is consistent with the Corporation’s historic role of assuming exploration risk to open new areas for investment.

“We are taking the lead this time to establish GNPC as the pioneer in opening up the Voltaian Basin,” he said, drawing parallels with GNPC’s early offshore exploration efforts.

Covering approximately 103,000 square kilometres, the Voltaian Basin is Ghana’s largest sedimentary basin.

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GNPC expects the drilling programme to progressively de‑risk the Basin and create the technical basis for further exploration investment.

A successful TUA 1X well would provide significant new subsurface data to complement seismic information already acquired, improving understanding of the Basin’s petroleum potential.

The data obtained will allow GNPC and its subsidiary, GNPC Explorco, to compare existing geological interpretations with actual subsurface conditions and inform decisions on subsequent exploration activity.

Preparations are currently focused on constructing a 13.5‑kilometre access road, rig pad, base camp, and associated site works ahead of mobilisation for exploratory drilling.

Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director of GNPC Explorco, Sam Opoku‑Arthur, said the move to site preparation follows extensive subsurface work to identify and mature the drilling location.

“The next step for us, after all the subsurface work that we did, is to start the construction of the access road and the rig pad and ensure the safe arrival of the rig,” he explained.

Ahead of the site visit, GNPC management called on the Chegu Naa, Naa Andani Iddrisu, who welcomed the progress and emphasised openness, mutual respect, and collaboration. The delegation also met the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya‑Naa Yakubu Abukari II, at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, where traditional leaders were briefed on preparations for the next phase of exploration.

The Member of Parliament for Mion, Misbahu Mahama Adams, and District Chief Executive, Azindow Hamza Moabaly, reaffirmed their support for the programme and pledged continued collaboration with GNPC and GNPC Explorco.

With years of seismic acquisition and geological studies completed, the TUA 1X well marks a critical step in moving from interpretation into subsurface drilling.

SA

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