Ghana: GNPC Explorco And Tamale Technical University Seal Landmark Petroleum Partnership

GNPC Explorco, the exploration subsidiary of Ghana’s national oil company, GNPC, and Tamale Technical University (TaTU) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a robust framework for technical knowledge transfer, capacity building, and collaborative skills development between the two institutions.

The Vice-Chancellor of TaTU, Professor Bashiru Imoro Ibn Saeed, signed the agreement on behalf of the university, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to integrating real-world petroleum sector practices into its technical and engineering curricula.

The signing was witnessed by the Chairman of the TaTU Governing Council, Mandariwura (Alhaji) Seidu Iddi, whose presence underscored the institutional and socio-economic significance of the partnership.

The MoU sets the stage for structured interventions, including specialized training workshops, joint research opportunities, and practical industry exposure initiatives.

These are not distant promises; they are deliberate, time-bound commitments designed to position TaTU graduates at the forefront of Ghana’s energy future.

GNPC Explorco Managing Director, Samuel Opoku Arthur, urged all partners to prioritize skills transfer to Ghanaian engineers who will lead subsequent phases of the programme, a clear signal that homegrown talent is not optional but essential.

“The Voltaian Basin is more than just an energy project; it is a catalyst for economic transformation in the North. We are committed to a ‘Ghanaians First’ strategy that prioritizes local content, jobs, and capacity building for the people of this region,” declared Principal Corporate Affairs Officer, Kwasi Appiah.

In a related development, Explorco has signed a project management consultancy contract with LubriMax Ghana Limited and its technical partner, Well Engineers and Planners, to commence drilling activities in the Voltaian Basin.

The move marks a significant step toward Ghana’s first onshore petroleum exploration campaign, with the first exploration well targeted for the third quarter of 2026.

The partnership is expected to strengthen local capacity in the petroleum sector, create opportunities for students and faculty, and support the development of a skilled workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s growing energy industry.