After several weeks of operations in Block 2 of the West Cape Three Points (WCTP 2), independent oil company Springfield confirmed significant hydrocarbon discoveries in the Afina-1x well, located offshore Ghana. These results mark a key step in the development of the country’s energy resources.
The evaluation activities, initiated in early October, aimed to analyze the underlying rock formations. According to Springfield, tests revealed the presence of light crude oil, natural gas, and gas condensates in two geological formations: Cenomanian and Turonian. Post-drilling test results indicate a daily production potential of 4,500 barrels of oil and approximately 12,000 barrels of oil equivalent from gas and condensates.
A Historic Milestone for Springfield
This success positions Springfield as the first independent Ghanaian company to achieve a deepwater discovery. The company is now poised to accelerate the development of the Afina project, estimated to hold 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil. However, this project has been delayed by legal disputes over the unitization of the fields with operators Eni and Vitol.
Kevin Okyere, Springfield’s CEO, stated that these discoveries reinforce the goal of countering the anticipated decline in national oil production. This issue was recently highlighted by Steve Manteaw, co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), who warned of potential production interruptions within the next two decades.
An Uncertain Future
While promising, this advancement could reignite legal and technical debates around the unitization of reserves. Eni, a major stakeholder, recently asserted that Springfield must further deepen its analyses to fully assess the reserve’s capacities. The court has also ruled in favor of delaying discussions, deeming the integration of the reserves among the three stakeholders premature.
Nevertheless, the potential revealed by Afina-1x could influence these negotiations and expedite the development process. Springfield, buoyed by these results, could also attract new investors to Ghana’s oil sector, which is seeking greater stability.
