Accra, Ghana – September 2, 2026
GNPC Explorco, Ghana’s national exploration company, has showcased the investment opportunities and exploration potential of the Voltaian Basin at AOW:Energy 2026 in Accra, as Ghana continues to position its upstream petroleum sector for renewed investment and exploration-led growth.
The presentation formed part of Ghana Day at the Africa Oil Week conference, which brings together governments, national oil companies, international operators, investors, financial institutions and other key stakeholders in Africa’s energy sector.
Speaking during the session, Managing Director of GNPC Explorco, Mr. Sam Opoku Arthur, highlighted the strategic importance of the Voltaian Basin to Ghana’s exploration agenda, outlining its geological potential and the opportunities it presents for investors and strategic partners.
The Voltaian Basin is Ghana’s principal onshore frontier basin and represents an important opportunity to expand the country’s exploration portfolio.
Explorco is advancing activities in the basin with the objective of increasing geological understanding, reducing exploration risk and creating opportunities for credible partners to participate in the next phase of Ghana’s upstream development.
Mr. Opoku Arthur emphasized the importance of collaboration, technical expertise and strategic investment in unlocking the potential of frontier basins.
“The Voltaian Basin represents an exciting frontier for Ghana’s exploration future. Our focus is to systematically unlock its potential through technical excellence, responsible exploration and strategic partnerships. We believe there is a compelling opportunity for credible investors and partners to join us in writing this next chapter of Ghana’s upstream story.”
The Ghana Day programme also featured keynote addresses and perspectives from the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), and the Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, providing a broader perspective on Ghana’s upstream investment landscape and the country’s energy ambitions.
Explorco’s participation at AOW:Energy 2026 reinforces its commitment to engaging the international investment community and building partnerships capable of advancing frontier exploration in Ghana.
The company is particularly focused on attracting credible technical and financial partners to support the exploration and development of Ghana’s underexplored petroleum basins, while ensuring that exploration activities are undertaken responsibly and deliver sustainable value to the country. With renewed interest in Ghana’s upstream sector, the Voltaian Basin is emerging as a significant frontier opportunity for investors looking to participate in the next phase of Ghana’s exploration journey.
Hon. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku is a Ghanaian politician and a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He currently serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ledzokuku Constituency (Teshie) in the Greater Accra Region. In August 2025, he was appointed to the Board of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
Beyond his constituency, he serves on several influential parliamentary committees, including Security and Intelligence, Economy and Development, and Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, indicating a well-rounded expertise in national governance.
Ayiku has prioritized local safety through his "Light Up Teshie" efforts, donating and installing over 2,000 streetlights across the constituency to curb nighttime criminal activities. He has also focused on road rehabilitation projects to improve accessibility for residents.
Experience
Hon. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku has a diverse background spanning the corporate sector, entrepreneurship, and public service.
Current External Roles
Hon. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku holds several key external and governance roles beyond his duties as the Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku:
Kwame Ntow Amoah joined GNPC as acting chief executive officer on February 17, 2025. In August 2025, The Energy Minister appointed him as a Board Member of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
Kwame Ntow Amoah has over 33 years of experience in the petroleum industry with a wealth of expertise in leadership, energy economics, public and corporate policy, strategy development, finance raising, and negotiations.
Experience
Throughout his career, Mr. Amoah has held key leadership roles, including Deputy Chief Executive at GNPC and Advisor to the Minister of Energy/Director of Petroleum at the Ministry of Energy. He has also served as Chairman and Member of various national, international, and industry boards and committees. Mr. Amoah has played a pivotal role in international arbitration cases involving Ghana. His contributions include serving as Technical Advisor for Ghana in the Maritime Boundary Case, which the country won on September 23, 2017.
Current External Roles
In August 2025, The Energy Minister appointed Samuel Opoku Arthur as a Board Member of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
15+ years in energy sector operations, commercial strategy, and project development, coordinating exploration planning, stakeholder engagement, and execution of large frontier projects.
Experience
A senior energy and commercial executive with 25+ years of experience across oil and gas, power, mining, and industry in Ghana. He served as Director of Petroleum at the Ministry of Energy & Green Transition in 2025 and previously spent over 12 years at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation in strategic and gas business leadership roles. His earlier career includes commercial and operational positions with INSYSS Ghana Ltd, Lancaster Plant Ltd, Metso Minerals, and ExxonMobil Corporation.
Current External Roles
Serves as the Managing Director for GNPC Explorco.
In August 2025, The Energy Minister appointed Dr. Anafure as the Board Chairman of GNPC Explorco.
Key Strengths
Dr Aaron Issah Anafure is an accomplished insurance professional with extensive credentials and achievements.
Experience
Previously, he served as CEO of SIC Life and CDH Life Insurance Company Limited, and was instrumental in founding SIC Life Savings and Loans. Under his leadership, the company won the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIMG) Life category award five times and was inducted into the CIMG Hall of Fame in 2018.
Current External Roles
CEO - Quality Life Assurance Company (QLAC).
Seth Kwame Boateng is a multi-award-winning Ghanaian journalist and documentary filmmaker who brings over two decades of impact storytelling to corporate communications. His work has shaped national conversations and led to major public-interest reforms through powerful investigative films such as Locked and Forgotten, Left to Rot, and Next to Die.
As Head of Corporate Affairs, Seth leads stakeholder engagement, media relations, and ESG communications—delivering clear, credible messaging that builds trust with communities, regulators, and partners.
He is the recipient of several prestigious honours, including:
Seth holds an MPH in Health Management Planning & Policy from the University of Leeds, an MA in Communication Studies from the University of Ghana, an MA in Conflict, Peace & Security from KAIPTC, and a BA in Economics & Sociology from the University of Cape Coast.
Accra, Ghana – September 2, 2026
GNPC Explorco, Ghana’s national exploration company, has showcased the investment opportunities and exploration potential of the Voltaian Basin at AOW:Energy 2026 in Accra, as Ghana continues to position its upstream petroleum sector for renewed investment and exploration-led growth.
The presentation formed part of Ghana Day at the Africa Oil Week conference, which brings together governments, national oil companies, international operators, investors, financial institutions and other key stakeholders in Africa’s energy sector.
Speaking during the session, Managing Director of GNPC Explorco, Mr. Sam Opoku Arthur, highlighted the strategic importance of the Voltaian Basin to Ghana’s exploration agenda, outlining its geological potential and the opportunities it presents for investors and strategic partners.
The Voltaian Basin is Ghana’s principal onshore frontier basin and represents an important opportunity to expand the country’s exploration portfolio.
Explorco is advancing activities in the basin with the objective of increasing geological understanding, reducing exploration risk and creating opportunities for credible partners to participate in the next phase of Ghana’s upstream development.
Mr. Opoku Arthur emphasized the importance of collaboration, technical expertise and strategic investment in unlocking the potential of frontier basins.
“The Voltaian Basin represents an exciting frontier for Ghana’s exploration future. Our focus is to systematically unlock its potential through technical excellence, responsible exploration and strategic partnerships. We believe there is a compelling opportunity for credible investors and partners to join us in writing this next chapter of Ghana’s upstream story.”
The Ghana Day programme also featured keynote addresses and perspectives from the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), and the Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, providing a broader perspective on Ghana’s upstream investment landscape and the country’s energy ambitions.
Explorco’s participation at AOW:Energy 2026 reinforces its commitment to engaging the international investment community and building partnerships capable of advancing frontier exploration in Ghana.
The company is particularly focused on attracting credible technical and financial partners to support the exploration and development of Ghana’s underexplored petroleum basins, while ensuring that exploration activities are undertaken responsibly and deliver sustainable value to the country. With renewed interest in Ghana’s upstream sector, the Voltaian Basin is emerging as a significant frontier opportunity for investors looking to participate in the next phase of Ghana’s exploration journey.