The Spokesperson and Head of Communications at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Mr. Richmond Rockson, Esq., says the Mahama-led government has made significant progress in Ghana’s energy sector in less than two years, particularly in the upstream petroleum industry.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Petroleum Commission’s 2026 Local Content Conference and Exhibition in Takoradi, he cited growing engagement with international oil companies and increased investment interest as evidence of the government’s efforts to reposition Ghana as a competitive destination for petroleum investment.
“Within less than two years, we are witnessing a renewed sense of confidence in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector. Major international oil companies are engaging Ghana, investment discussions are progressing, and we are seeing renewed commitments to exploration and production,” he said.
Mr Rockson cited renewed interest from major industry players, including Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil and Petrobras, as evidence of the improving investment outlook.
He also referenced remarks attributed to Tullow Ghana’s Managing Director, who reportedly acknowledged that the company had experienced more progress within one year under the current administration than in previous years.
On crude oil production, he highlighted government’s interventions to reverse the prolonged decline through new drilling programmes, improved field operations and renewed investments.
He also pointed to the significant improvement in gas production, with output rising to approximately 280 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d). Gas production from Jubilee and TEN has also increased from approximately 110 million to 130 million standard cubic feet per day.
Under a new agreement with the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) partners, government is targeting a further increase in gas production to 350 MMscf/d.
Mr Rockson said the planned expansion would strengthen domestic gas availability for electricity generation and industrial consumption while reducing the country’s dependence on alternative and more expensive fuel sources.
“This is significant for Ghana’s energy security. Increased domestic gas production means greater availability of fuel for power generation, reduced pressure on imports and improved prospects for a more reliable and affordable electricity supply,” Mr. Rockson noted.
Beyond improvements in existing production fields, Mr Rockson said government was pursuing fresh exploration opportunities to expand Ghana’s petroleum reserves and attract additional international investment.
He disclosed that the target was to sign at least six new Petroleum Agreements by the first quarter of 2027. He said attracting international oil companies was only part of government’s ambition, with greater emphasis being placed on ensuring that their operations generated lasting value for the domestic economy.
“Our ambition is not simply to attract oil companies to Ghana; it is to ensure that they invest, drill, discover and produce. We want more wells, more discoveries, increased oil and gas production and greater opportunities for Ghanaian businesses,” he stressed.
Mr Rockson also pointed to Tullow Ghana’s planned drilling programme, which includes five firm wells and five optional wells, as another important development expected to support production recovery.
He maintained that the developments reflected government’s determination to restore investor confidence, reverse the decline in the petroleum sector and build a stronger and more sustainable energy industry.
