In 2007 the Anglo-Irish oil company Tullow Oil and the American company Kosmos made significant discoveries of oil in two test drillings outside the coast of Ghana. The finds emanate from one and the same basin. The finds may be among the most extensive in West Africa. Later exploration has resulted in more finds. Daily production may start at 100.000 barrels per day, rising to some 250.000 bpd after two years. A number of international oil companies are now stepping up activities in Ghana. The Norwegian company Aker has been awarded one license offshore Ghana.
In October 2005, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) asked for assistance from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affair's Oil for Development programme. The letter was seconded by former UN Secretary General, Mr Kofi Annan. On behalf of the Norwegian government, Minister for International Development, Mr Erik Solheim, responded favourably. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed when Mr Solheim visited Ghana 24 -26 February 2008. Mr Solheim was one of the main speakers at a national stakeholder meeting held in Accra and sponsored by Norway at that time. The objective was to establish a national consensus on basic issues related to Ghana's future as an oil-producing country.
Moreover, Norwegian experts contributed significantly to the elaboration of a white paper presented by the government to the parliament of Ghana in November 2008. Norwegian experts also provided technical assistance in producing draft amendments to Ghanainan legislation related to petroleum exploration, sent to parliament in December 2008. In addition, Norway has provided technical assistance to GNPC on the elaboration of a development plan for the Jubilee field.
In late 2008, Norway presented a draft framework agreement on petroleum cooperation to Ghanaian authorities. The framework agreement will be followed by separate agreements on management of resources, the environment and revenues. A draft environmental agreement has already been presented. Answers from Ghana, which has a new president and government since January 2009, are still pending. Mr Solheim visited Ghana again in February 2009 to discuss follow-up to the proposed cooperation, meeting among others vice president John Mahama.
In spring 2009, the Norwegian research ship Fridjof Nansen visited Ghana to identify chemical, biological and geological data prior to the beginning of oil production. This was intended to facilitate environmental surveillance of the exploration and production activites. The Norwegian Marine Research Institute and the Norwegian Mapping and Cadastre Authority took part in the project, which was financed by Norway.