Energy Minister John Jinapor Signs Strategic Offshore Exploration Agreements with Eni and Vitol

The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Energy, has formally signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Eni Ghana and Vitol Upstream Tano Limited to revitalize upstream petroleum exploration in the Tano Basin. The agreements, signed on September 10, 2026, by Energy Minister Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, cover offshore blocks GH WB 3 and GH WB 8. This strategic move is designed to facilitate the finalization of Petroleum Agreements for the two blocks, which encompass approximately 2,100 square kilometers with water depths ranging from 750 to 2,800 meters. The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) also participated in the signing, marking a collaborative effort to bolster the nation's energy sector and ensure sustainable resource development.The new agreements build upon a 2025 Memorandum of Intent that proposed a significant investment of US$1.5 billion into Ghana's offshore resources. For Eni, which has been active in Ghana since 2009 and currently produces approximately 40,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, these MoUs align with its Infrastructure-Led Exploration (ILX) strategy. This approach focuses on utilizing existing production facilities to accelerate the development of nearby discoveries, thereby maximizing the efficiency and value of Ghana’s hydrocarbon assets. The partnership currently operates the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) project, which remains a cornerstone of the country's oil and gas production infrastructure.Under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the government is prioritizing reforms aimed at creating a more competitive and investment-friendly environment for the petroleum industry. Minister Jinapor emphasized that the transition from initial agreements to active exploration is critical for ensuring the sustainable development of Ghana's natural resources. By fostering transparent and stable regulatory frameworks, the administration hopes to attract further international interest and ensure that the petroleum sector provides maximum value to the Ghanaian economy during the ongoing global energy transition. The government is committed to leveraging these partnerships to secure energy independence and drive economic growth.Parallel to these offshore developments, GNPC Explorco is actively seeking strategic partnerships to open up new frontiers in the Voltaian Basin. Speaking at the AOW:Energy 2026 conference in Accra, Managing Director Sam Opoku Arthur highlighted the basin’s potential to diversify Ghana’s petroleum portfolio and improve geological understanding. He called for increased investment and collaboration to unlock the potential of the area, which remains largely underexplored compared to the offshore basins. Collectively, these initiatives represent a comprehensive push by the Mahama administration to secure Ghana’s energy future through both established offshore fields and emerging onshore opportunities.