Introduction
Ghana has a number of sedimentary basins, each with a unique geological background,
exploration strategy, and hydrocarbon resource potential. The Tano Basin, Saltpond Basin,
Accra/Keta Basin, and Voltaian Basin are the main basins.
1.Tano Basin (Offshore)
➢ Brief background: Ghana's most prolific hydrocarbon-producing basin is the Tano
Basin, which is offshore in the Gulf of Guinea. Beginning in the 1970s, significant
discoveries, most notably the Jubilee Field, were made during the late 2000s and early
2010s. It's a proven petroleum system with commercial oil and gas production.
➢ Method of Exploration: Exploratory drilling based on seismic interpretation is followed
by seismic surveys in two dimensions and three dimensions. Core samples and well log
geochemical analyses are essential for defining reservoir and source rock properties.
Improved oil recovery methods and prospects in deeper water have been the focus of
recent exploration.
➢ Geologic Time: Formation is linked to the opening of the Atlantic Ocean during the
Early Cretaceous (approximately 145-100 million years ago). The basin's stratigraphy
is made up of sediments from the Cretaceous to more recent times. Turbidite sandstones
of the Cenomanian-Turonian and Campanian ages are the primary reservoir units. The
majority of the source rocks are marine shale of Cretaceous age. Extensional tectonics
associated with transform fault formation characterize the basin.
➢ Hydrocarbon Potential: High, due to the proven presence of substantial oil and gas
reserves. Exploring deeper water areas and evaluating previous discoveries hold
potential for the future.
2. Saltpond Basin (Offshore)
➢ Brief Description: Ghana's Saltpond Basin, located east of the Tano Basin, is an
offshore basin where the country's first oil discovery was made in 1970, with production
commencing in 1978.
➢ Method of Exploration: The Saltpond Basin was initially explored using drilling and
seismic surveys, but remains relatively underexplored compared to the Tano Basin,
with recent efforts utilizing advanced technologies to identify new prospects.
➢ Geologic Time: The Saltpond Basin's formation is linked to the Cretaceous Atlantic
Ocean opening, featuring shallow marine sandstone reservoirs, a Cretaceous-to-recent
stratigraphy, and tectonic deformation from transform margin faulting and folding.
➢ Hydrocarbon Potential: The Saltpond Basin's prospectivity is moderate, given current
production and potential for new discoveries, but may be limited by reservoir quality
and size.
3. Accra/Keta Basin (Onshore and Offshore)
➢ Brief Description: Ghana's Accra/Keta Basin, located on the southeast coast, remains
relatively unexplored, with limited seismic surveys and few exploration wells
conducted to date.
➢ Mode of Exploration: Initial exploration of the Accra/Keta Basin involved geological
mapping, gravity/magnetic surveys, and seismic acquisition, with further evaluation
requiring investment and advanced exploration technologies.
➢ Geologic Time: Like other coastal basins, the basin was formed during the Cretaceous
period. Sediments from the Cretaceous to more recent times make up it. Subsidence
and faulting control sedimentation.
➢ Hydrocarbon Potential: Considered low to moderate due to the lack of significant
discoveries. The potential of the source rock is unknown, and reservoir development
may be limited. Faulting and uplift are also characteristics of the basin.
4. Voltaian Basin (Onshore)
➢ Brief History: The Voltaian Basin is a large onshore basin located in the central and
northern parts of Ghana. It is a pre-Cambrian sedimentary basin with a long and
complex geological history. Limited exploration has been conducted to date, with a
focus on evaluating the basin's potential for groundwater resources.
➢ Mode of Exploration: Geological mapping, gravity and magnetic geophysical surveys,
and limited groundwater drilling have been the primary modes of exploration.
➢ Geologic Time: The basin primarily contains Precambrian to Paleozoic sediments.
These are continental sandstones, shales, and conglomerates. The depositional
environment varies from fluvial to lacustrine.
➢ Hydrocarbon Potential: It is thought to be very low. The Precambrian age of the
sediments suggests a limited potential for hydrocarbon generation due to the lack of
mature source rocks. The sediments have also been subject to a great deal of structural
deformation over their geological history.
Conclusion
Ghana's sedimentary basins offer varying hydrocarbon potential, with the Tano Basin being
most prospective, while the Saltpond, Voltaian, and Accra/Keta Basins require improved
exploration techniques, further investigation, and investment to unlock their potential.
References
➢ https://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/15664
➢ Selley, R. C. and Stephen A. S. (2014), Elements of Petroleum Geology, 3rd Edition,
Academic Press, United States, 470 pp.
UNIVERSITY OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY (UMaT)
TARKWA
SCHOOL OF PETROLEUM STUDIES
DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM GEOSCIENCES
AND
ENGINEERING
REVIEW OF SEDIMENTARY BASINS IN GHANA (BREIF HISTORY,
MODE OF EXPLORATION, AND GEOLOGIC TIME)
BY
EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN ACKAH
SPE.41.012.002.22
CLASS: PG 3
COUSRE CODE: PG
MARCH, 2025
