By Francis Ntow
Accra, Nov. 12, GNA – Ghana has discovered hydrocarbons through the ‘Nya Gyidie-1X’ exploration well in the Deepwater Cape Three Points (DWCTP) Block offshore by Planet One Oil & Gas, a sustainable, technology-led solutions company.
This marks the first successful test of a carbonate reservoir system in Ghana, opening a new geological target beyond the sandstone formations that have underpinned the country’s existing commercial discoveries.
It was made during Planet One’s first deepwater drilling campaign as also comes as government identifies reserve replacement, increased production and renewed international investment as priorities for the sector.
The discovery comes as Ghana seeks to accelerate investment and exploration across its upstream petroleum sector, with President John Dramani Mahama announcing a US$3.5 billion of new upstream investment commitments.
Speaking at the Petroleum Commission’s Local Content Conference and Exhibition where the discovery was announced, President Mahama, said the hydrocarbon discovery marked an important milestone for Ghana.
“It is the country’s first successful test of a Cenomanian–Turonian carbonate plays as a primary exploration target. The well also targeted the Albian as a secondary objective,” the President said.
“By drilling this well, Planet One and its partners fulfilled an exploration commitment and demonstrated confidence in Ghana and in the direction of our Reset Agenda. That is why I call it a well of faith,” he stated.
Hydrocarbons, mainly crude oil and natural gas, are used for fuels for electricity, industry, and cooking gas for homes, and in transport, they are critical in petrol, diesel, jet fuel (kerosene), marine fuel.
They also supply petrochemicals for plastics, fertilisers, medicines and asphalt, and critical in earning government vital revenue for roads, schools, health.
He explained that the priority was to accelerate responsible exploration and put in place the infrastructure Ghana needs to develop its petroleum resources sustainably, turning the resources into jobs and opportunities for Ghanaians and into lasting improvements in people’s lives.
Mr Sanjeev Mansotra, Founder and Chairman of Planet One Group, noted that the discovery at Nya Gyidie-1X reinforced the company’s confidence in Ghana and the potential of its oil and gas sector in opening new possibilities for future exploration.
“We have worked closely with the government of Ghana for many years, and across every project our focus is on the impact it can create for the country. In oil and gas, that means supporting investment, jobs, skills and wider economic value over time,” he said.
He expressed their gratitude to the central government, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the Petroleum Commission, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and GOIL for their continued support and partnership.
Dr John Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition, said the latest hydrocarbon discovery underscored Ghana’s efforts in revitalising the upstream petroleum sector to attract strategic investments, increase production and strengthen our nation’s energy security.
He pledged the government’s commitment to ensuring that our petroleum resources were responsibly developed to create jobs, accelerate economic growth and deliver lasting prosperity for the people of Ghana.
“Planet One has been a long-standing partner to the Government across various sectors and this milestone will further strengthen our collaboration going forward,” the sector minister said.
Mr Kwame Ntow Amoah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), said the discovery has come at a time when replenishing Ghana’s reserves and sustaining production growth are national priorities has gained root.
He said the next task is to establish the scale and commercial potential of the discovery through rigorous technical evaluation, and working collaboratively with Planet One and GOIL Upstream to advance the development and production opportunities.
Edward Abambire Bawa, Group CEO of GOIL PLC, said: “as a Ghanaian company, we are particularly encouraged by the opening of a new exploration frontier and its potential contribution to the country’s long-term energy security.”
He commended Planet One, the operator, and partners for this achievement, adding that they looked forward to the next phase of technical evaluation to establish the discovery’s commercial potential.
Located 148 kilometres offshore Ghana, Nya Gyidie-1X was drilled in 2,289 metres of ultra-deepwater, encountering hydrocarbons in carbonate rock between 3,364 and 3,499 metres, confirming a first reservoir type never previously proven in Ghana.
The block is operated by Planet One in partnership with GOIL Upstream Limited, a subsidiary of GOIL PLC, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei