- Springfield confirmed a significant oil discovery at the Afina-1x well offshore Ghana, with potential daily production of 4,500 barrels of oil and 12,000 barrels of oil equivalent from gas and condensates.
- The discovery positions Springfield as the first independent Ghanaian company to achieve a deepwater oil find, though legal disputes with Eni and Vitol have delayed progress.
- The Afina project, estimated to hold 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil, could address Ghana’s anticipated oil production decline and attract new investors to the energy sector.
Springfield, an independent oil company, has confirmed a significant hydrocarbon discovery at the Afina-1x well offshore Ghana. The well in Block 2 of the West Cape Three Points (WCTP 2) revealed light crude oil, natural gas, and gas condensates.
The company began evaluation activities in early October and discovered hydrocarbons in two key geological formations: Cenomanian and Turonian. Springfield reports that the Afina-1x well holds a daily production potential of 4,500 barrels of oil and around 12,000 barrels of oil equivalent from gas and condensates.
Springfield became the first independent Ghanaian company to achieve a deepwater oil discovery with this breakthrough. The Afina project contains an estimated 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil. However, legal disputes with operators Eni and Vitol have delayed the project’s progress.
Kevin Okyere, CEO of Springfield, stated that this discovery could help address Ghana’s anticipated decline in oil production. Steve Manteaw, co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), recently warned of possible production shortfalls in the next two decades. This discovery offers a crucial step toward stabilising future oil output in Ghana.
Despite this progress, legal and technical challenges remain. Eni, a key operator, has requested further analysis of the reserves before proceeding with the project. Eni insists Springfield must conduct more tests to evaluate the reserve’s capacity fully. Additionally, a court ruling postponed talks on unitising the fields, requiring further technical assessments before integrating the reserves with other stakeholders.
Afina-1x’s potential could shape upcoming negotiations. The discovery might push for faster development and encourage stakeholders to resolve legal disputes. Springfield remains optimistic that this breakthrough will strengthen its position in Ghana’s oil sector and attract new investors seeking stability in its energy market.
The Afina project’s importance extends beyond its size. With national oil production expected to decline, this discovery offers a solution to prevent future supply interruptions. Springfield’s success could encourage further exploration and discoveries in Ghana’s offshore blocks.
Although challenges persist, Springfield’s achievement marks a significant milestone. The Afina-1x well reinforces Ghana’s position as an emerging African oil and gas industry player. As negotiations over unitisation continue, Springfield and its partners will focus on resolving disputes and moving forward with developing the Afina project.
In the meantime, Springfield’s discovery highlights the critical need for continued exploration in Ghana. Afina-1x’s success positions the company as a major player in the region and opens doors for future collaboration and investment in the country’s energy sector.