GNPC expands search for more oil fields

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has stepped up the search for more oilfields as it begins work on the Voltaian Basin Project.

The project seeks to confirm the presence of petrochemicals in the voltaian basin that stretches across Volta, Northern, Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo and Eastern regions.

It is being jointly spearheaded by the Ghana National Petroleum Company and the Petroleum Ministry.

A stakeholders’ meeting to sensitise the chiefs in the Asante-Akim North District and collate their views ahead of the preliminary seismic work has been held at Agogo.

Ananekrom, a farming community near Agogo, is one of the 66 communities in 24 districts, where the seismic line passes and therefore the need to engage the people.

Mr Seth Foli, Environmental Engineer of the GNPC, said the project would take off in March, next year, and would be carried out for two years.

Previous works done by the Geological Survey Department, British Geological Survey, Water Resources Institute and other researches pointed to a potential discovery of oil in the basin.

He said mitigation measures had been put in place to control the impact on the people – land, crops and the ecosystem, adding that, a committee would be set up to ensure that those affected by the activity are adequately compensated.

He gave the assurance that GNPC would do everything to collaborate with relevant state agencies to uphold best international practices.

Mr. Peter Anarfi, the Ashanti Regional Minister, welcomed the project and said it was in the nation’s best interest.

He underlined the need for the country to focus on onshore oil and gas exploration and urged the people to cooperate with the GNPC.

Source: GNA