Ghana petroleum revenue and data transparency dispute

Ghana’s petroleum revenue increased by 52 percent in the first half of 2026, reaching US$561.41 million, up from US$370.34 million during the same period in 2025. This growth was attributed to higher global crude oil prices and increased corporate income tax collections, while production volume grew by only 11.73 percent.

The revenue surge coincided with a dispute between the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) and the Ministry of Finance. PIAC reported that its 2026 semi-annual report lacked essential data regarding the utilization of the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) allocations. PIAC Chairman Richard Ellimah characterized the lack of compliance as “clearly legal infractions” and indicated intentions to consult the Attorney-General to address the inability to compel information under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act.

The Ministry of Finance has rejected allegations of withholding information, stating it provided petroleum receipts, distribution data, and explanations of fund management. The Ministry noted that funds have been ring-fenced for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway to concentrate resources on major infrastructure. Officials maintained that they participated in meetings with PIAC to explain administrative arrangements and argued that the absence of specific utilization data in the report does not constitute withholding information.