Ghana's oil production rises 30% after five years of falling output - Dr Jinapor

Ghana’s crude oil production has increased by about 30% after five consecutive years of decline, marking a turnaround in the country’s oil industry, according to the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor.

The Minister attributed the recovery to renewed investment and drilling activities following a US$2 billion agreement reached with Kosmos Energy and its partners in 2025 to boost production from Ghana’s offshore oilfields.

Speaking at African Energy Week 2026, Dr Jinapor said the agreement was already yielding results, with the government approving a new development plan and work underway to expand production.

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The agreement covers the Jubilee and Tweneboa-Enyenra-Ntomme (TEN) oilfields and extends their operating licences to 2040, giving investors more time to recover their investments and increase production.

Under the revised plan, up to 20 additional wells could be drilled at the Jubilee field to boost oil output and increase natural gas supplies for electricity generation in Ghana.

Kosmos Energy reported that the Jubilee field produced an average of about 72,000 barrels of oil per day in the second quarter of 2026. Two new wells also began production in June and July.

The company is planning another drilling programme involving up to 10 wells between 2027 and 2028, with operations expected to begin in mid-2027.

Beyond boosting oil production, Jinapor said the government was working to attract more international energy companies, including Chevron, Shell, CNOOC and Petrobras, to invest in Ghana’s petroleum sector.

He disclosed that the government was also preparing changes to petroleum tax and investment rules to make the country more attractive to investors. The proposals are expected to be submitted to Cabinet and Parliament for consideration.

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Dr Jinapor expressed confidence that the renewed investment and drilling activities would help sustain oil production, improve natural gas supplies and strengthen Ghana’s energy security after years of declining output.

DR/MA

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