Ghana’s dream of joining the ranks of Africa’s oil exporters came a step closer to reality when Tullow Oil discovered perhaps 1bn barrels of crude last year. But the coups, conflict and corruption plaguing the continent’s other producers are a reminder of the risks that a sudden influx of riches can bring.

Regarded as among the more stable and democratic countries in West Africa, Ghana says it will learn from the mistakes of its peers to harness oil for the benefit of all.