Preparations for the drilling of the first exploratory well in Ghana’s onshore Voltaian Basin have advanced following a high-level inspection of the proposed well location at Chegu in the Mion District.
A delegation from the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and its operating subsidiary, GNPC Explorco, inspected the site to assess ground-level readiness and determine the immediate engineering and civil works required ahead of drilling.
Managing Director of GNPC Explorco, Samuel Opoku Arthur, said construction of a 13.5-kilometre access road to the proposed well site is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
“There is significant progress in advancing the project. In the coming weeks, we expect to commence construction of a 13.5-kilometer access road to the well location, marking another important step in our preparations for the next phase of activities.”
The access road is expected to facilitate the transportation of drilling rigs, heavy machinery and other equipment to the proposed site. It will also support subsequent activities, including wellsite clearing, levelling and civil construction.
The inspection forms part of ongoing preparations to assess the hydrocarbon potential of the Voltaian Basin, a large inland sedimentary basin extending across parts of northern and central Ghana.
Engagement with Traditional Authority
Before visiting the proposed well location, the GNPC and GNPC Explorco delegation paid a courtesy call on the Chegu Naa at his palace.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the companies to reaffirm their commitment to working closely with the traditional authority and the wider community as preparations for the exploration programme intensify.
The Chegu Naa welcomed the project and expressed the community’s support, while urging GNPC and GNPC Explorco to maintain transparent communication, respect local traditions and sustain close engagement with residents.
GNPC Explorco, the designated operator of the exploration programme, said the activities would be undertaken with appropriate environmental safeguards and in accordance with applicable operational standards.
The company also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with district authorities, traditional councils and host communities throughout the exploration campaign.
The proposed drilling programme is expected to generate additional geological information on the Voltaian Basin and help determine its hydrocarbon potential.
For communities around Chegu, the project is also expected to increase economic activity and create opportunities for local participation as preparations move into the next phase.
