Ghana celebrates major new offshore oil and gas discovery at Nya Gyidie well
Ghana's latest offshore oil and gas discovery could create jobs and attract investment, with President John Dramani Mahama pledging to ensure the country's petroleum wealth benefits Ghanaians.
Speaking at the 2026 Local Content Conference in Takoradi on Tuesday, Mahama described the Nya Gyidie-1X discovery as a major breakthrough for Ghana's energy sector.
The discovery, made about 148 kilometres offshore by Planet One Oil & Gas, GOIL Upstream Limited and GNPC, marks Ghana's first successful test of a Cenomanian-Turonian carbonate reservoir.
“Our goal is to turn those resources into jobs and opportunities for Ghanaians and to deliver lasting improvements in the lives of our people,” Mahama said.
He urged oil companies to prioritise local businesses, training and technology transfer, questioning whether young Ghanaians could find opportunities in the industry.
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“Can more Ghanaian companies compete for complex contracts and deliver them to the required standard?” he asked.
Mahama also highlighted a $28 billion agreement for Ghana's Petroleum Hub project and a planned gas processing facility that could save the country up to $1 billion annually.
He announced that GNPC would begin exploration drilling in the Voltaian Basin in early 2027. However, further assessments are needed to determine the new offshore discovery's commercial viability.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
