GNPC Explorco and Tamale Technical University Sign MoU to Build Local Petroleum Expertise
In a move designed to strengthen Ghana’s domestic talent pool for the energy sector, the exploration arm of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) – GNPC Explorco – and Tamale Technical University (TaTU) have formalised a collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement was signed on [date] by TaTU Vice‑Chancellor Professor Bashiru Imoro Ibn Saeed and witnessed by the Chairman of the TaTU Board of Directors, Mandariwura (Alhaji) Seidu Iddi. Samuel Opoku Arthur, Managing Director of GNPC Explorco, and Kwasi Appiah, Principal Corporate Affairs Officer, also attended the ceremony.
Objectives of the Partnership
The MoU establishes a structured framework aimed at:
- Transferring technical knowledge from industry professionals to academic staff and students.
- Creating capacity‑building programmes that align TaTU’s engineering curricula with real‑world petroleum practices.
- Facilitating collaborative research projects focused on the Voltaian Basin and other onshore prospects.
- Providing students with industry exposure through workshops, internships, and field‑based training.
According to the press release issued by GNPC Explorco, the initiative is “intentional, time‑bound” and seeks to position TaTU graduates at the forefront of Ghana’s evolving energy landscape [1].
Training and Capacity‑Building Activities
Specific interventions outlined in the agreement include:
- Quarterly technical workshops led by GNPC Explorco engineers covering drilling fundamentals, reservoir evaluation, and health, safety, and environment (HSE) standards.
- Joint research grants that enable TaTU faculty and students to investigate geological characteristics of the Voltaian Basin.
- Internship placements for upper‑level engineering students at Explorco’s operational sites, providing hands‑on experience with data acquisition and interpretation tools.
- Faculty exchange programmes designed to keep academic staff updated on emerging technologies and industry best practices.
These activities are expected to directly enhance the employability of TaTU graduates while ensuring that the local workforce possesses the competencies required for Ghana’s forthcoming onshore petroleum campaigns.
Voltaian Basin Drilling Plans
Parallel to the academic partnership, GNPC Explorco has secured a project‑management consultancy contract with LubriMax Ghana Limited and its technical partner, Well Engineers and Planners. The consultancy will oversee the planning and execution of the first onshore exploration well in the Voltaian Basin, slated for the third quarter of 2026 [2].
Kwasi Appiah highlighted that the Voltaian Basin represents more than a hydrocarbon prospect; it is viewed as a catalyst for economic transformation in northern Ghana. The “Ghanaians First” strategy articulated by Explorco prioritises local content, job creation, and skills development for residents of the region.
Anticipated Impact on Ghana’s Energy Sector
By linking industry expertise with technical education, the collaboration aims to:
- Reduce reliance on expatriate specialists for early‑stage exploration activities.
- Generate a pipeline of qualified engineers, geologists, and technicians capable of supporting future offshore and onshore projects.
- Stimulate regional economic activity through increased demand for local services, logistics, and support industries.
- Contribute to national goals of increasing domestic participation in the petroleum value chain, as outlined in Ghana’s Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act.
Stakeholders anticipate that the combined effect of the MoU and the impending drilling campaign will foster a more self‑sufficient energy sector, capable of delivering sustainable growth while creating high‑value employment opportunities for Ghanaians.
Conclusion
The signing of the MoU between GNPC Explorco and Tamale Technical University marks a concrete step toward building a skilled, locally‑driven workforce for Ghana’s petroleum industry. Through targeted training, collaborative research, and direct industry exposure, the partnership seeks to translate academic potential into practical capability. As preparations advance for the first onshore well in the Voltaian Basin, the initiative underscores a shared commitment to leveraging Ghana’s human capital as a cornerstone of its energy future.
References:
- GNPC Explorco Press Release, “Explorco and TaTU Sign MoU to Boost Local Petroleum Skills,” accessed November 2025.
- LubriMax Ghana Limited, “Voltaian Basin Project Consultancy Overview,” accessed November 2025.
