• Ghana will not support the WCTP2 development until an independent assessment confirms the asset’s geologic and commercial viability.

• Springfield claims WCTP2 holds 1.5 billion barrels of oil in place and has invested over $100 million in seismic and drilling.

• Government withdrawal from the unitisation plan in February 2025 still casts uncertainty over the project’s future.

Ghana has moved to impose strict conditions before approving development of the offshore West Cape Three Points Block 2 (WCTP2), after years of stalled negotiations with local operator Springfield.

The government said Springfield recently approached it again about progressing the block’s development. The Ministry of Energy responded by demanding “solid guarantees” before extending any form of support.

Energy and Green Transition Minister John Jinapor told local media on Friday, 21 November, that the state will not commit until an independent evaluation confirms the asset’s viability. He said the review must validate the geological value of the block and verify all technical data provided by Springfield Exploration and Production Limited.

Jinapor said the technical assessment will confirm whether Springfield’s resource estimates rely on verified data. A parallel commercial review will examine the company’s reported expenditures and determine whether the declared investments were effectively made.

The minister stressed that Ghana needs “clear, factual documentation” before re-engaging on WCTP2, adding that the government aims to avoid risks linked to unverified reserves and spending.

To date, all publicly available technical information originates from Springfield. The company says its 2019 Afina-1X well encountered around 50 metres of net oil pay in Upper Cretaceous sands. It also claims the block contains 1.5 billion barrels of oil in place and 0.7 trillion cubic feet of associated gas.

Springfield states on its website that it has invested over $100 million in 3D seismic acquisition and the Afina-1X drilling campaign.

The government said the outcome of the independent assessments will determine the next phase of discussions. Local press reports indicate talks with Springfield are already at an advanced stage.

Springfield controls 82% of WCTP2, while the state-owned Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) holds 8%, and its subsidiary GNPC Explorco owns 10%.

This article was initially published in French by Abdel-Latif Boureima

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum