By: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham(AB)
Freelance Journalist | MSc Oil and Gas Resource Management
Contact: 0241129910 / 0200704844

For many resource-rich nations, the ultimate aspiration is to transcend the cyclical trap of the “resource curse,” a paradox often attributed to the “Dutch disease.” This phenomenon arises when revenues generated from the extractive sector, particularly hydrocarbons(petroleum), distort the domestic economy by increasing demand for imports over domestic goods (“spending effect”) and shifting labor and capital away from other key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing(“resource pull effect”). The resulting imbalance often leads to weakened economic linkages, volatile commodity markets, and long-term macroeconomic instability. Mehlum et al. (2006) observed that resource-rich nations such as Nigeria, Angola, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela have experienced slower or stagnant growth compared to resource-poor yet industrially successful countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

As a general principle, natural resource endowments,particularly petroleum, can serve as catalysts for national development if exploited efficiently and managed prudently. Petroleum refers to naturally occurring deposits of hydrocarbons, including crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids—formed over millions of years through geological processes. Ghana, having only commenced commercial hydrocarbon production fifteen years ago, is still in the formative stages of determining its long-term trajectory(success or failure) in this sector.

Historical Overview of Ghana’s Oil and Gas Sector:

Ghana’s emergence as an oil-producing nation was officially marked in December 2010 with the commencement of commercial production from the Jubilee Field, located offshore in the Tano-Cape Three Points Basin. This milestone followed the 2007 discovery and drilling of the Mahogany-1 well by a consortium comprising Kosmos Energy, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Tullow Ghana Limited, Sabre Oil and Gas Holdings Limited, the EO Group, in conjunction with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

The Jubilee Field, located approximately 75 miles offshore, is considered one of the largest offshore discoveries in West Africa, with estimated recoverable reserves of between 600 million and 1.8 billion barrels of high-quality light crude (37.6 API), and approximately 800 billion cubic feet of natural gas (Kapela, 2009). In addition to Jubilee, Ghana has since brought two other fields—TEN and Sankofa Gye Nyame (SGN)—into production, from a total of approximately 25 offshore discoveries.

Petroleum resources in Ghana are located within four sedimentary basins: the Western Basin (Tano to Cape Three Points Basin), the Central Basin (including the Saltpond Basin), the Eastern Basin(Accra-Keta Basin), and the onshore or inland Voltaian Basin.

Following the 2007 discovery and with full awareness of the risks posed by the Dutch disease, Ghana adopted a comprehensive institutional and legislative framework to govern upstream and midstream operations. These frameworks were modelled on international best practices, particularly those of Norway, Timor-Leste, and Trinidad and Tobago. While commendable progress has been made, structural and implementation challenges persist and must be addressed—especially in light of the recent commercial discovery at Eban-Akoma.

Recent Seismic Surveys and the Eban-Akoma Discovery:

On July 3, 2025, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition announced the successful appraisal and commercial viability of hydrocarbon deposits at the Eban-1X (oil) and Akoma-1X (gas and condensate) wells. These wells are located in the Cape Three Points Block 4 (CTP-B4), and their confirmation marks a significant advancement in Ghana’s upstream sector.

The joint venture responsible for this exploration and appraisal comprises Eni Ghana Exploration & Production Ltd, Vitol Upstream Tano Ltd, Woodfields Upstream Ghana Ltd, and GNPC’s subsidiary, Explorco, operating in collaboration with the GNPC itself.

Constitutional and Legal Framework: Resource Ownership and Citizen Empowerment.

Under Article 257(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, all natural resources, including petroleum, are vested in the President on behalf of and in trust for the people of Ghana. Section 3 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 2016 (Act 919) reiterates this point, reinforcing the notion that these resources are public assets and owned by the people of Ghana

However, the enforceability of this constitutional trust was tested in Adjaye & Others v. Attorney-General & Annor (Suit No. C144/94) where the court held that the trust created was not enforceable in the law court. The Court, in arriving at this decision, relied on Tito v. Waddell (No. 2) [1977] to hold that the trust created under Article 257(6) was not judicially enforceable since it was not in the nature of a fiduciary relationship(trust in the lower sense). Rather, it represents a higher political trust that is executed through governance mechanisms(trust in the higher sense).
To check executive authority, Article 268(1) of the Constitution mandates parliamentary ratification of any contract involving the grant of rights for resource exploitation. A two-thirds majority in Parliament may exempt certain contracts under Article 268(2). In Republic v. High Court, Ex Parte Exton Cubic (2019), the Court underscored the necessity of parliamentary oversight as a proxy for the people’s approval, reinforcing democratic accountability in resource governance.

Institutional and Legislative Frameworks for Upstream and Midstream Petroleum Operations:

Although a detailed evaluation of the adequacy of Ghana’s petroleum legislation is necessary, it is broadly acknowledged that the current legal framework is robust. The key issue lies in addressing the structural and implementation deficiencies.

The core legal instruments governing Ghana’s oil and gas sector, especially the upstream and midstream petroleum operations, include:

●1992 Constitution of Ghana.
●GNPC Act, 1983 (PNDCL 64).
●Petroleum Commission Act, 2011 (Act 821).
●Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815), as amended by Act 893 (2015).
●Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, 2016 (Act 919).
●Petroleum Income Tax Act (PNDCL 188).
●Model Petroleum Agreement (MPA).

A. Petroleum Commission: regulating the Upstream Sector.

The establishment of the Petroleum Commission under Act 821 and in accordance with article 269 of the 1992 constitution marked a significant shift in regulatory governance. The Commission assumes responsibility for oversight of upstream activities, thereby eliminating the conflict of interest previously associated with GNPC’s dual role as regulator and operator.

In addition to regulating upstream operations, the Commission promotes local content, enforces health, safety, and environmental standards, and ensures that petroleum activities contribute meaningfully to national welfare.

B. Petroleum Exploration and Production Act (Act 919):

Act 919 provides a comprehensive legal regime for managing petroleum exploration, development, and production. It defines the contractual relationship between the State, GNPC, and investors, prioritizing transparency, sustainability, and national interest.

Sections 5 and 11 prohibit petroleum operations without a formal agreement, except by GNPC. The Act mandates transparency and accountability (Section 4), empowers the Minister to demarcate Ghana’s sedimentary basins into blocks, allocate those blocks (Section 6), and restricts share transfers exceeding 5% without ministerial approval.

The State, through GNPC, has the right to acquire up to 15% carried interest during exploration and development (Section 10.14), with an option to increase its stake to 25% following a declaration of commercial discovery, safeguarding public interest in strategic resources.

C. Petroleum Revenue Management Act (Act 815, as amended):

This Act was enacted to ensure the transparent and sustainable management of petroleum revenues. Its objectives include prudent fiscal management, intergenerational equity, and public accountability in accordance with Article 36 of the 1992 constitution.

Key provisions include:

1. Petroleum Holding Fund (PHF): Established at the Bank of Ghana to receive and disburse all petroleum-related revenues.
2. Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC): A citizen-led statutory body that ensures citizen engagement, oversight, and regular reporting on the use of petroleum revenues thereby, deepening transparency and accountability.
3. Investment Advisory Committee (IAC): Develop a benchmark portfolio and advise the Minister on investment strategies for the Ghana Petroleum Funds, ensuring fiscal responsibility and reducing the risk of mismanagement.
4. Ghana Petroleum Funds (GPF): Comprising the Ghana Stabilization Fund (GSF) and Ghana Heritage Fund (GHF), these are strategic instruments for savings and stabilization(investment).GHF for instance secures the development of future generations through savings when the petroleum reserves are completely depleted.The GSF on the other hand, is to cushion and sustain public expenditure in times of un-anticipated petroleum revenue shortfall.They (GHF and GSF) are to be consolidated into the Ghana Petroleum Wealth Fund one year after the depletion of reserves.
5. Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA): Allocated to priority development areas under a medium-term framework, with a minimum of 70% earmarked for public investment and 25% for the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
6. Exceptional Transfers: Permitted for specific purposes, including tax refunds and community compensation.

Challenges and Implementation Gaps:

Despite the legislative strengths, several systemic challenges persist:

1. Over-reliance on ABFA for recurrent (consumption-based) expenditures undermining transformative potential of oil revenue.
2. Weak linkages between petroleum and non-petroleum sectors.
3. Inconsistencies in ABFA-funded priority areas due to political transitions.
4. Weak enforcement of accountability provisions leading to misuse and misapplication of earmarked funds.
5. Inefficiencies in project execution and evaluation.
6. Underfunding of the GHF, undermining intergenerational equity.

The Promise of the Eban-Akoma Discovery: Lessons and Policy Recommendations

As Ghana transitions towards commercial development of the Eban-Akoma fields, it is imperative to draw lessons from previous experiences and implement targeted reforms:

1. Establish a Sovereign Petroleum Investment Authority, modelled after Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global, to manage petroleum revenues independently and professionally.
2. Implement a long-term development framework for ABFA utilization under the National Development Planning Commission.
3. Amend the PRMA to curtail ABFA usage for recurrent expenditure and prioritize infrastructure and essential services delivery in health, education, roads, and highways.
4. Enforce stricter legal sanctions for financial mismanagement, breach of investment rules, delays, and reporting failures.
5. Strengthen PIAC’s mandate with investigative powers and enhance community monitoring capacity for projects executed with petroleum revenue to foster grassroots accountability.
6. Unify political consensus on petroleum governance to depoliticize strategic decisions, as was the case under the Norwegian model.
7. Promote local content and participation, as stipulated in L.I. 2204, to enhance state control and inclusive benefits.

Conclusion:

The aspiration of every resource-rich country is to avoid the resource curse and transform its resource wealth into sustainable national development. Ghana’s early efforts—through legislative innovation and institutional establishment have laid a solid foundation. However, the recent Eban-Akoma discovery presents a timely opportunity to reinforce these gains through reforms that promote efficiency, accountability, and long-term national welfare. Strengthening enforcement, ensuring fiscal discipline, and committing to intergenerational equity will be critical in transforming Ghana’s petroleum wealth into a blessing, not a curse.

Sources:

1. Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) 2024 Semi-Annual Report
2. Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815) as amended by Act 893 (2015)
3. Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, 2016 (Act 919)
4. Springfield Group – Offshore Discovery
5. PIAC – Oil Production Decline
6. Kwesi Dartey-Baah et al. “Emerging Dutch Disease in Emerging Oil Economies: Ghana’s Perspective”
7. “Model of State Management of Petroleum Sector – Case Study of Norway,” Interdisciplinary and Political Science Journal, Vol. 20, No. 1/2017

Two men in their 20’s from Damongo, Yussif and Bakari Nafiwu, also known as Agbey, have been apprehended by residents of Tamale for allegedly stealing goats.

In a viral video circulating on social media platforms on Friday, July 4 shows the two suspects tied together against a pillar, undergoing interrogation.

In the video, Yussif confessed to committing the crime, stating that they have been stealing the goats for a chief identified as Kukuo-Naa and an individual named Abdul-Karim.

According to Yussif, their unfortunate apprehension occurred when they attempted to deliver the slaughtered goats, wrapped in polybags, to the chief identified as Kukuo-Naa at the Industrial Area, a suburb of Tamale, where a group of residents broke out, leading to their arrest, while the said chief (Kukuo-Naa) escaped.

When questioned about the frequency of their involvement in such acts, Yussif revealed that this was their second time committing the crime for the chief, with the first incident occurring a month prior. He claimed they acted upon the chief’s request. The suspects were reportedly sent to the Choggu-Naa’s palace to assist in the investigation.

The two suspects are widely known for their alleged involvement in motorcycle theft in both Damongo and Tamale. Nafiwu Agbey is an alumnus of the Damongo College of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, who recently moved to Tamale after completing his studies, whiles Yussif is a resident of Tamale.

The incident has sparked concern among residents of Tamale and Damongo, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and cooperation to prevent and address criminal activities.

The case is currently under investigation, and authorities are working to gather more evidence and determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in the alleged crimes.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community policing and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order.

A heartbreaking story has emerged from Damongo, Savannah Region, where a professional teacher and entrepreneur, Yussif Abdul-Jalilu John, popularly known as Bless Child, is struggling to cope with the aftermath of losing nearly GHS400,000 in forex trading. Bless Child, a respected figure in the community for his philanthropic efforts and business acumen, shared his devastating experience on his TikTok page.

Bless Child’s foray into online forex trading began about 3-4 years ago, with initial substantial gains that encouraged him to invest more. However, the tables turned when losses started mounting. In a desperate bid to recoup his losses, he sold off assets from his thriving electrical shop, rented out the shop, and funneled all available funds into the trade, only to lose everything.

As his financial situation spiraled out of control, Bless Child resorted to selling personal belongings and even a piece of family land in a futile attempt to recover his losses. The consequences of his actions have been severe, with his parents recently discovering the sale of the family property and reacting with understandable distress.

In his emotional TikTok post, Bless Child expressed feelings of hopelessness and despair, even threatening to take his own life. He apologized to his family and those he believes he has disappointed, acknowledging that his negligence and curiosity led to his current predicament. Notably, Bless Child emphasized that he’s not sharing his story for sympathy’s sake, recognizing that he’s bearing the consequences of his own actions.

This incident highlights the risks associated with forex trading, particularly when proper risk management strategies are not employed. Forex trading involves high leverage, which can amplify both profits and losses. Without a solid understanding of the market and a well-thought-out trading plan, traders can quickly find themselves in financial trouble.

Bless Child’s story serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of responsible financial decision-making and seeking professional advice before venturing into high-risk investments. It’s essential for individuals facing similar situations to seek support from financial advisors, mental health professionals, or support groups.

In a powerful call to action, the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Lawyer Salisu Issifu Be-Awuribe, has urged religious leaders in the region to speak truth to power and hold political leaders accountable when they stray from the path of righteousness. The minister made this call during the maiden edition of the Savannah Regional Session of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, held in Damongo, the regional capital.

The event, which brought together Christians and Muslims from different denominations, was themed “Reset, Reflect, and Renew for National Prosperity.” In his keynote address, Minister Be-Awuribe emphasized the importance of unity in diversity, highlighting Ghana’s remarkable achievement of maintaining peace despite tensions and conflicts that often arise. He expressed gratitude to God for the country’s peace and stability, noting that many other nations are plagued by wars and conflicts that have devastating effects on innocent civilians.

The minister also acknowledged the critical role that religious leaders play in guiding the nation and its leaders. He charged them to be bold in pointing out when politicians go astray, stressing that the fate of the country depends on the integrity and accountability of its leaders. “When politicians go astray, the country will be doomed,” he warned, emphasizing the need for religious leaders to speak truth to power without fear or favor.

Minister Be-Awuribe also used the opportunity to reiterate his efforts to clamp down on illicit drug abuse among the youth in the Savannah Region. He highlighted the devastating effects of substance abuse on individuals, families, and communities, and called on religious leaders to join him in the fight against this menace.

In a special mention, the minister prayed for the President, H.E John Dramani Mahama, expressing his desire for the President to receive God’s vision and guidance as he works to reset the country. He implored religious leaders to support the President with their prayers, emphasizing the importance of spiritual guidance in leadership.

The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving is a significant event that brings together people of different faiths to seek God’s guidance, protection, and blessings for the nation. This year’s theme, “Reset, Reflect, and Renew for National Prosperity,” is a timely reminder of the need for spiritual renewal and reflection in our national life.

As the Savannah Region embarks on this journey of prayer and thanksgiving, the minister’s call to religious leaders to hold political leaders accountable is a timely reminder of the critical role that faith leaders play in shaping the moral fabric of our society. By speaking truth to power and holding leaders accountable, religious leaders can help to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance, which are essential for national prosperity.

The Savannah Regional Session of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving is a significant step towards promoting unity, peace, and stability in the region. As the region comes together to pray and give thanks, it is clear that the future of Ghana depends on the collective efforts of its citizens, leaders, and faith communities.

The Savannah Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has conducted two separate operations in Damongo, the Savannah Regional capital, on June 25th and 26th, 2025. The operations resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects, including two females, one of whom is a nursing mother, and six peddlers who are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

The news was first confirmed to Spear FM News Team by the 2IC and Acting Savannah Regional Commander, ACP Alex Kodjo Wowolo.

According to the Savannah Regional Minister and Head of REGSEC, Hon. Lawyer Salisu Be-Awuribe, the first operation took place on the night of June 25th, arresting 11 suspects, followed by another operation on the afternoon of June 26th, 2025 which arrest 5 others.

The operations were carried out in various “ghettos,” including High Tension, Arizon Street, Abingakra, and the Damongo Royal Cemetery. The suspects include notable drug addicts and peddlers, such as a shop owner known as Shawuna.

Hon. Be-Awuribe hinted that the suspects would be arraigned before court after successful screening.

He emphasized that the Regional Security Council is committed to combating the drug abuse menace in the region and would carry out operations across the region. Recounting his 2025 Eid-ul-Adha message on combating the menace, the Minister reiterated the need for collective action to address the issue.

The Regional Minister advised parents and family members not to be too interested in granting bail to suspects but rather take it as a task to counsel their wards and relatives who are into the act. This move is in line with the global theme for World Drug Day 2025, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention. Break the Cycle,” which emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to address the health, social, and economic consequences of drug abuse.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to strengthen efforts to combat drug abuse, prevent substance use disorders, and disrupt the networks involved in illicit drug trafficking. The World Health Organization has called for a radical rethinking of global drug policies, highlighting the need for a shift from punitive approaches to more effective and humane solutions.

Damongo Senior High School has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Savannah Regional edition of the Senior High School Renewable Energy Challenge. The competition, held at Damongo Senior High School, brought together five senior high schools from across the region, showcasing innovative projects that harness the power of renewable energy to address pressing environmental issues.

The theme of this year’s challenge, “Sustainable Energy for a Healthier Future,” inspired students to develop practical solutions to challenges in food security, waste management, and healthcare. Damongo SHS distinguished itself with a project titled “Recycling Technology for a Sustainable Future,” an innovative method designed to minimize waste sent to landfills and recover valuable materials from waste within the environment.

The project earned Damongo SHS a total of 73.7 points, securing their position as Savannah Regional Champions and qualifying them to represent the region at the zonal level of the national Renewable Energy Challenge. Bole Senior High School emerged as the first runner-up with 71.3 points, followed closely by Sawla SHS with 71 points. Salaga TI Ahmadiya Senior High School and Buipe Technical Institute secured fourth and fifth positions with 66 and 60 points, respectively.

“We are thrilled and proud to have won this competition,” said one of the students from Damongo SHS. “Our project, ‘Recycling Technology for a Sustainable Future,’ was chosen because we recognized the need to address the pressing issue of waste management in our environment. We believe that our innovative approach can make a significant impact in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.”

The students expressed their gratitude to their coaches, fellow students, and the entire school for their unwavering support. “We couldn’t have achieved this without the guidance and encouragement of our coaches and teachers,” they added. “We’re optimistic that we’ll excel in the next stage and look forward to showcasing our skills and creativity on a larger platform. We’re confident that our project will inspire others to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to a greener future.”

Mr. Julius Nkansah Nyarko, Senior Manager of Renewable Energy Regulation and project coordinator, delivered a welcome address, emphasizing the importance of innovation and sustainability in addressing environmental issues. “The Renewable Energy Challenge is more than just a competition; it’s a platform for Ghanaian youth to showcase their talents, creativity, and commitment to sustainability,” he said.

“We’re proud of the students for their dedication and innovative spirit. As they move forward to the next stage, we encourage them to remain focused, determined, and passionate about creating a sustainable future for our nation.”

Mr. Nyarko highlighted the challenge’s origins and its growth into a national initiative, involving numerous schools across Ghana. “The program aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry needs, fostering practical skills and innovation among Ghanaian youth,” he explained. “We’re committed to supporting and promoting renewable energy innovation among Ghanaian youth, and we’re excited to see the impact that these young innovators will make in the years to come.”

The Renewable Energy Challenge, now in its sixth year, continues to play a vital role in fostering innovation, environmental awareness, and technical skills among Ghanaian youth. The competition contributes to the broader goal of achieving a sustainable energy future for the nation. As the students celebrated their achievements, Mr. Nyarko encouraged them to embrace the challenge with enthusiasm and determination, emphasizing the transformative power of their ideas.

The challenges faced by the students were not insignificant, but their determination and creativity paid off. The victory of Damongo Senior High School is a testament to the potential of young Ghanaians to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. As they prepare to represent the Savannah region at the zonal level, the school’s students and mentors are filled with excitement and anticipation.

The Renewable Energy Challenge serves as a platform for Ghanaian youth to showcase their talents, creativity, and commitment to sustainability. As the nation continues to strive for a greener and more sustainable future, initiatives like the Renewable Energy Challenge will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of environmental leaders and innovators.