Ghana is actively seeking Canadian investment into its upstream oil and gas sector. The country is positioning itself as a stable and competitive destination for global energy capital. This push comes amidst shifting global energy investment priorities.
Officials of the Petroleum Commission held strategic meetings with prospective investors. These meetings took place ahead of the 2026 Global Energy Summit in Canada. The focus was on opportunities within Ghana’s upstream oil and gas space, especially the onshore Voltaian Basin. Ghana seeks to deepen partnerships and unlock investment for mutual benefit.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Ghana recorded FDI of GHS 5.5 billion in 2023. These investments aim to boost key sectors and create jobs. The oil and gas sector is crucial for Ghana’s energy security and economic growth. Ghana has three producing offshore fields in the Western Basin currently.
Ms. Emeafa Hardcastle, CEO of the Petroleum Commission, is leading these discussions. She noted that recent global energy market volatility has heightened the need for energy security. This shift has prompted investors to look beyond traditional hydrocarbon destinations. “Ghana offers significant hydrocarbon potential across mature, frontier, onshore and offshore basins,” Ms. Hardcastle stated.
Ms. Hardcastle added that Ghana is taking practical steps to improve competitiveness. This includes creating an enabling environment for responsible investment. She highlighted strong bilateral ties between Ghana and Canada. Both countries share common law legal systems. This provides a familiar and predictable framework for investors.
Ghana previously collaborated with Canada on training Ghanaian welders. This training was certified by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Ghana now seeks to deepen this partnership. It aims to attract Canadian expertise in advanced oilfield technologies. Gas development and infrastructure expansion are also key areas of interest.
The country is exploring technologies to improve hydrocarbon recovery. It also wants to enhance operational efficiency. Strengthening field monitoring and boosting environmental safety performance are important goals. Growing domestic demand for electricity is creating opportunities for gas infrastructure investment. This includes pipelines and processing facilities.
Ms. Hardcastle outlined a range of opportunities for exploration and production companies. These include farm-in arrangements and appraisal programmes. Open acreage in the Tano Basin and the Accra-Keta Basin are also available. The onshore Voltaian Basin covers about 40 percent of Ghana’s landmass. This basin has attracted increased interest after seismic and geological data acquisition.
Preliminary assessments show encouraging petroleum potential in the Voltaian Basin. There is also evidence of an active petroleum system. Plans are underway to drill the first exploration well in the basin. This drilling will occur between late 2026 and early 2027. This move is expected to reduce risks and boost investor confidence. “Ghana is open for business. We warmly invite you to come on board and choose Ghana,” Ms. Hardcastle concluded.
The 2026 Global Energy Show brings together policymakers and investors. It also includes energy executives and technology providers. The summit discusses emerging trends and showcases technological advancements. It fosters collaborations to shape the future of global energy.