GNPC sees potential 1bn barrels of oil, 2.5trn cubic feet of gas in Tano Basin

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has identified potential stranded resources of over one billion barrels of oil and 2.5 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Tano Basin. This discovery could help bolster Ghana's dwindling petroleum production if these resources are developed using existing infrastructure. Senior Geomatic Engineer at GNPC, Emmanuel Boadum Donkor, highlighted the role of spatial data analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in identifying ways to connect these stranded resources to existing petroleum infrastructure, which could significantly reduce development costs.

Speaking at the Esri User Conference West Africa 2026, Donkor stated that the analysis, so far focused on the Tano Basin, has identified over 1 billion barrels of oil and 2.5 trillion cubic feet of gas that could boost the country's production. He explained that a hub approach, where several resources are connected to existing infrastructure, could lower development costs and enhance the commercial viability of these resources.

This strategy would enable GNPC to leverage existing infrastructure rather than developing separate facilities for individual stranded resources. Donkor emphasized that GIS has become a crucial decision-support tool for the Corporation, given that its data contains approximately 80% location information. The technology helps integrate existing infrastructure with stranded resources, providing a clearer picture of how the Corporation can develop these resources while minimizing environmental and social impacts.

The next phase will depend on reaching agreement on how to develop the identified opportunities, as these resources represent potential increases in production that would need investment and development arrangements to contribute to Ghana's petroleum output.