Explorco, the commercial subsidiary of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has intensified its stakeholder engagement efforts in Northern Ghana as it prepares to enter the next phase of the Voltaian Basin Project. This move signals renewed momentum in the search for commercially viable onshore petroleum resources.
Led by Deputy Managing Director (Technical) Abdul-Mumin Abukari Iddris, a high-level Explorco delegation visited Tamale and Yendi on behalf of Managing Director Samuel Opoku Arthur to engage traditional authorities and key regulatory institutions ahead of the planned drilling campaign.
During a courtesy call at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, the delegation briefed the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, on progress made under the Voltaian Basin Project (GH-VB-01). The team also outlined a clear roadmap toward active drilling, highlighting the establishment of a dedicated Project Management Team to oversee the next phase. This marks a transition from preparatory studies to full-scale field operations.
Explorco indicated that Northern Ghana will experience an increase in project activity in the coming months, including the deployment of additional personnel and heavy equipment, as preparations intensify toward drilling the first exploration well in the basin.
Ahead of the engagement with traditional leadership, the delegation held discussions with the Lands Commission and the Minerals Commission to streamline legal and regulatory processes. These engagements are expected to facilitate land access, support the establishment of operational base camps, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
Reaffirming its commitment to local participation, Explorco emphasized a “Ghanaians-first” strategy anchored in robust local content and social performance policies. The company underscored the importance of collaboration with traditional authorities and regulatory bodies to promote transparency, ease land acquisition processes, and maximize socio-economic benefits for host communities.
Spanning nearly one-third of Ghana’s landmass, the Voltaian Basin represents the country’s most significant onshore petroleum frontier. Its development is a key component of Ghana’s broader strategy to expand domestic energy resources, strengthen energy security, and stimulate economic growth in the northern regions.
Hon. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku is a Ghanaian politician and a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He currently serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ledzokuku Constituency (Teshie) in the Greater Accra Region. In August 2025, he was appointed to the Board of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
Beyond his constituency, he serves on several influential parliamentary committees, including Security and Intelligence, Economy and Development, and Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, indicating a well-rounded expertise in national governance.
Ayiku has prioritized local safety through his "Light Up Teshie" efforts, donating and installing over 2,000 streetlights across the constituency to curb nighttime criminal activities. He has also focused on road rehabilitation projects to improve accessibility for residents.
Experience
Hon. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku has a diverse background spanning the corporate sector, entrepreneurship, and public service.
Current External Roles
Hon. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku holds several key external and governance roles beyond his duties as the Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku:
Kwame Ntow Amoah joined GNPC as acting chief executive officer on February 17, 2025. In August 2025, The Energy Minister appointed him as a Board Member of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
Kwame Ntow Amoah has over 33 years of experience in the petroleum industry with a wealth of expertise in leadership, energy economics, public and corporate policy, strategy development, finance raising, and negotiations.
Experience
Throughout his career, Mr. Amoah has held key leadership roles, including Deputy Chief Executive at GNPC and Advisor to the Minister of Energy/Director of Petroleum at the Ministry of Energy. He has also served as Chairman and Member of various national, international, and industry boards and committees. Mr. Amoah has played a pivotal role in international arbitration cases involving Ghana. His contributions include serving as Technical Advisor for Ghana in the Maritime Boundary Case, which the country won on September 23, 2017.
Current External Roles
In August 2025, The Energy Minister appointed Samuel Opoku Arthur as a Board Member of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
15+ years in energy sector operations, commercial strategy, and project development, coordinating exploration planning, stakeholder engagement, and execution of large frontier projects.
Experience
A senior energy and commercial executive with 25+ years of experience across oil and gas, power, mining, and industry in Ghana. He served as Director of Petroleum at the Ministry of Energy & Green Transition in 2025 and previously spent over 12 years at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation in strategic and gas business leadership roles. His earlier career includes commercial and operational positions with INSYSS Ghana Ltd, Lancaster Plant Ltd, Metso Minerals, and ExxonMobil Corporation.
Current External Roles
Serves as the Managing Director for GNPC Explorco.
In August 2025, The Energy Minister appointed Dr. Anafure as the Board Chairman of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
Dr Aaron Issah Anafure is an accomplished insurance professional with extensive credentials and achievements.
Experience
Previously, he served as CEO of SIC Life and CDH Life Insurance Company Limited, and was instrumental in founding SIC Life Savings and Loans. Under his leadership, the company won the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIMG) Life category award five times and was inducted into the CIMG Hall of Fame in 2018.
Current External Roles
CEO - Quality Life Assurance Company (QLAC).
Seth Kwame Boateng is a multi-award-winning Ghanaian journalist and documentary filmmaker who brings over two decades of impact storytelling to corporate communications. His work has shaped national conversations and led to major public-interest reforms through powerful investigative films such as Locked and Forgotten, Left to Rot, and Next to Die.
As Head of Corporate Affairs, Seth leads stakeholder engagement, media relations, and ESG communications—delivering clear, credible messaging that builds trust with communities, regulators, and partners.
He is the recipient of several prestigious honours, including:
Seth holds an MPH in Health Management Planning & Policy from the University of Leeds, an MA in Communication Studies from the University of Ghana, an MA in Conflict, Peace & Security from KAIPTC, and a BA in Economics & Sociology from the University of Cape Coast.
Explorco, the commercial subsidiary of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has intensified its stakeholder engagement efforts in Northern Ghana as it prepares to enter the next phase of the Voltaian Basin Project. This move signals renewed momentum in the search for commercially viable onshore petroleum resources.
Led by Deputy Managing Director (Technical) Abdul-Mumin Abukari Iddris, a high-level Explorco delegation visited Tamale and Yendi on behalf of Managing Director Samuel Opoku Arthur to engage traditional authorities and key regulatory institutions ahead of the planned drilling campaign.
During a courtesy call at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, the delegation briefed the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, on progress made under the Voltaian Basin Project (GH-VB-01). The team also outlined a clear roadmap toward active drilling, highlighting the establishment of a dedicated Project Management Team to oversee the next phase. This marks a transition from preparatory studies to full-scale field operations.
Explorco indicated that Northern Ghana will experience an increase in project activity in the coming months, including the deployment of additional personnel and heavy equipment, as preparations intensify toward drilling the first exploration well in the basin.
Ahead of the engagement with traditional leadership, the delegation held discussions with the Lands Commission and the Minerals Commission to streamline legal and regulatory processes. These engagements are expected to facilitate land access, support the establishment of operational base camps, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
Reaffirming its commitment to local participation, Explorco emphasized a “Ghanaians-first” strategy anchored in robust local content and social performance policies. The company underscored the importance of collaboration with traditional authorities and regulatory bodies to promote transparency, ease land acquisition processes, and maximize socio-economic benefits for host communities.
Spanning nearly one-third of Ghana’s landmass, the Voltaian Basin represents the country’s most significant onshore petroleum frontier. Its development is a key component of Ghana’s broader strategy to expand domestic energy resources, strengthen energy security, and stimulate economic growth in the northern regions.