GNPC charts path for West Africa’s energy future at 2025 Gas Summit

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to shaping West Africa’s energy transformation through strategic investment, regional cooperation, and innovation in the natural gas sector.

This declaration was made at the 2025 West Africa Gas Summit held in Accra, where the Corporation outlined its forward-looking gas strategy under the theme: ‘GNPC’s Vision and Role in the Gas Sector.’

Delivering a keynote presentation, Hamis Ussif, GNPC’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Finance, Administration, and Commerce, emphasised the Corporation’s evolving role as a driver of energy security, industrialisation, and economic prosperity for Ghana and the wider sub-region.

“GNPC sees gas not just as a fuel, but as the bridge to a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous energy future. Natural gas is the unsung hero of our energy narrative, quietly powering industries, homes, and opportunities,” Mr. Ussif stated.

Mr. Ussif underscored GNPC’s vision to become a globally respected oil and gas company, committed to improving the quality of life for Ghanaians through sustainable operations and innovation.

He noted that GNPC’s expanding gas portfolio is central to meeting growing domestic energy needs, supporting industrialisation, and helping lower electricity tariffs. Importantly, it aligns with the government’s ambition to make Ghana the energy hub of West Africa.

Ghana’s current natural gas supply, which averages 425 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd), is sourced from the Jubilee and TEN fields, the Sankofa-Gye Nyame field, and imports via the West African Gas Pipeline. Natural gas powers around 70 percent of Ghana’s electricity generation. However, with demand rising, supply deficits persist.

In response, GNPC is ramping up domestic production. Gas output from Jubilee is projected to increase from 100 MMscfd to 140 MMscfd by July 2025, while Sankofa production will rise from 245 MMscfd to 270 MMscfd. Despite these gains, Mr. Ussif acknowledged they will not fully eliminate the supply gap.

To bridge the shortfall, GNPC is partnering to operationalise a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal by 2026. The Corporation is also intensifying exploration in offshore areas and the onshore Voltaian Basin to bolster future supply.

GNPC’s enabling role in Ghana’s gas value chain was highlighted through a series of strategic investments aimed at boosting infrastructure and energy security.

These include the USD190 million Takoradi-Tema Interconnection Project (TTIP), which has enabled reverse gas flow on the West African Gas Pipeline — improving domestic supply flexibility.

Mr. Ussif also highlighted GNPC’s provision of financial guarantees that brought the Sankofa Gas Project to fruition, its support for the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, and its facilitation of the Karpowership’s relocation to Sekondi to utilise indigenous gas.

In the middle belt, GNPC has financed a 110-kilometre gas pipeline from Prestea to Kumasi, paving the way for a third power generation enclave. Two power plants in this enclave are set to be completed by the end of 2025.

Mr. Ussif extended an open invitation to private sector partners to collaborate on new projects aimed at expanding Ghana’s gas infrastructure. He cited key initiatives such as expansion works on the Jubilee, TEN, and Sankofa fields; construction of the Tema City Gate; and development of a compressed natural gas (CNG) and pipeline distribution network to support the Tema industrial zone.

“GNPC is open for partnership with those who share our commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and regional development,” he stated.

GNPC’s strategy is also aligned with Ghana’s decarbonisation agenda and the principles of a just energy transition. Mr. Ussif reaffirmed the Corporation’s pledge to environmental stewardship, equitable development, and inclusive economic transformation.

He also urged regional policymakers, private investors, and energy players to work together to harness the transformative power of natural gas.

“Let us, together, unlock the immense potential of natural gas and light the way for millions across West Africa.”