Ghana’s crude oil output has declined drastically for the sixth consecutive year, from 2019 to 2025, sparking concern among industry watchers about the sustainability of the country’s petroleum sector and its contribution to national revenue.
The West African nation’s total crude oil output fell to 37.3 million barrels in 2025, down from about 48.24 million barrels in 2024. In 2019, the country’s total crude oil output stood at 71.44 million barrels.
However, output has since dropped consistently over the past six years to 37.3 million barrels in 2025, representing an average annual decline of about nine percent.
Ghana has three oil-producing fields, and per the 2025 report by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC)—an independent statutory body established under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815)—the Jubilee Field produced 22,211,948 barrels, the SGN Field produced 9,256,418 barrels, and the TEN Field produced 5,834,432 barrels, bringing the total to 37,302,798 barrels.
The Jubilee Field experienced the most significant decline, dropping 30.3% from 31,849,046 barrels in 2024 to 22,211,948 barrels in 2025. TEN Field output fell by 14%, from 6,784,440 barrels to 5,834,432 barrels, while SGN Field production declined by 3.6%, from 9,606,544 barrels to 9,256,418 barrels over the same period. Daily average production figures stood at 63,462 barrels for Jubilee, 16,206 barrels for TEN, and 25,360 barrels for SGN.
The report attributed the decline to natural field depletion, maintenance work on facilities, and operational disruptions, including activities at the West African Pipeline Company (WAPCo), highlighting the operational and structural challenges facing Ghana’s oil sector.
Gas production also recorded a reduction, with total output falling to 273,780 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) in 2025 from 280,511 MMSCF in 2024—a 2.4% decrease—further illustrating the downward pressure on the country’s energy resources.
Speaking at the launch of the report in Accra on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, PIAC Chairperson Richard Ellimah emphasised the severity of the decline, stating: “Production has dropped from a high of 71.44 million barrels in 2019 to 37.3 million barrels in 2025, representing a compounded annual average decline of 9%. This confirms the widely held view that Ghana’s oil fields have peaked and are on a downward spiral.”
In response to the declining trend, PIAC has urged the government to develop a comprehensive framework to attract investment into existing oil fields, improve regulatory and fiscal policies, and enhance data acquisition in new basins to stabilise production and reverse the decline.
“Strategic investment, operational efficiency, and regulatory oversight must be prioritised to ensure the sector remains a key driver of Ghana’s economy,” Mr. Ellimah said.
He warned that sustained reductions in crude output could negatively impact government revenue, foreign exchange inflows, and the country’s broader energy security.
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