GNPC Explorco, the exploration subsidiary of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), is gearing up for a major milestone in the country's energy sector with the upcoming operations in the Voltarian Basin.

The company has concluded a high-level three-day stakeholder engagement mission in the Northern Region, reinforcing strategic partnerships and demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility during the festive season.

The delegation, led by Principal Corporate Affairs Officer Kwasi Appiah, held critical meetings with key regional leaders, including the Northern Regional Minister, Regional Coordinating Director, and Tamale Mayor, to align the corporation's 2026 operational roadmap with regional development priorities.

"Our mission this week was to ensure that regional and municipal leadership are fully aligned with our progress," Mr Appiah stated.

"We are committed to a 'Ghanaians-first' strategy that prioritises local content, jobs, and capacity building for the people of this region."

The Voltarian Basin Project, Ghana's flagship onshore petroleum frontier, is on track, with Explorco reaffirming its confidence in meeting the target to spud the first exploration well by the third quarter of 2026.

"The Voltarian Basin is more than just an energy project; it is a catalyst for economic transformation in the North," Mr Appiah stated.

In a heartwarming gesture, GNPC Explorco extended its "Lighting Up the North" vision to the Tamale Children's Home, delivering a significant donation of food, educational supplies, and essential items.

"Christmas is a time for family and for sharing hope," Mr Appiah noted.

"We want to ensure that the joy of the season reaches every corner of the region."

The Acting Supervisor of the Tamale Children's Home, Saratu Sulemana, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to GNPC Explorco for their generous donation, which has brought festive cheer to the home.

She also took the opportunity to appeal for support in addressing some of the home's pressing needs.

"We are not safe here," she said, explaining that the facility's open layout makes it vulnerable to intruders.

"People run in the night and do bad things. Last month, one of our grown children was attacked by someone when she was returning from church in the afternoon. The person used her head to hit the tree and run away."

Ms Sulemana stressed the need for a fence wall to ensure the children's safety.

She appealed for support in establishing a primary school, as the current setup only caters to children up to kindergarten three.

"Our school starts from creche to kindergarten three; we don't have a primary school, so we urge anyone who can come to our aid, we will be happy," she said.

The three-day mission marks a new chapter in Explorco's relationship with the Northern Region, with a pledge to maintain transparent communication with stakeholders as preparations for the 2026 drilling campaign intensify.

GNPC Explorco is the upstream exploration and production subsidiary of GNPC, mandated to build national capacity for standalone operatorship and lead the exploration of Ghana's inland sedimentary basins, notably the Voltaian Basin.