The Government of Ghana, through the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has initiated processes toward a potential state-led acquisition of Springfield Exploration and Production’s Afina-1x oil well in the West Cape Three Points Block 2—one of the country’s most disputed undeveloped oil assets.
A statement from the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition explains that GNPC and its upstream subsidiary, GNPC Explorco, are engaged in constructive discussions with Springfield. The move forms part of a broader strategy to protect national petroleum assets and prevent commercially viable reserves from being left untapped.
To ensure technical accuracy and transparency, the Petroleum Commission and GNPC have begun procurement procedures to appoint an independent Technical Consultant and a Transactional Advisor.
Their responsibilities include conducting a comprehensive technical assessment of the WCTP2 block, auditing and verifying previous expenditures, and delivering financial and commercial due diligence. They are also tasked with performing an independent valuation of Springfield’s stake.
The government says these assessments are intended to provide a fair, credible, and commercially sound basis for any potential takeover.
Part of the plan involves repositioning the asset for accelerated development, potentially in collaboration with experienced deepwater operators.
“This approach ensures that all decisions are evidence-based, commercially prudent, and in the best interest of the Republic of Ghana,” the statement signed by Richmond Rockson, Spokesperson and Head of Communication at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, noted.
The statement adds that these processes are being carried out without prejudice to ongoing investigations concerning Springfield or related entities, and that institutional independence is fully maintained.
Government interest in intervening follows years of stalled progress on the Afina field—despite the discovery being confirmed—at a time when Ghana’s overall oil output is declining amid a global shift in upstream investment.
The ministry further emphasised its commitment to local content and indigenous participation, stressing that any future development of WCTP2 will align with national policy to strengthen a competitive, Ghanaian-led oil and gas industry.
