GNPC welcomes first successful test of carbonate hydrocarbon reservoir in Ghana

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has welcomed a hydrocarbon discovery at the Nya Gyidie-1X exploration well offshore Ghana, describing it as a significant development that could open up new opportunities for the country’s upstream petroleum industry.

The discovery, announced by the block operator, Planet One Oil & Gas, was made in the Deepwater Cape Three Points (DWCTP) Block, approximately 148 kilometres offshore Ghana.

According to GNPC, the well represents the first successful test of a carbonate reservoir system in Ghana, creating a new geological target for further petroleum exploration beyond the sandstone reservoirs associated with the country’s existing commercial oil and gas fields.

The Nya Gyidie-1X well was drilled in water depths of 2,289 metres and encountered hydrocarbons in carbonate rock between 3,364 and 3,499 metres measured depth along the wellbore.

GNPC, which is a partner in the DWCTP Block alongside Planet One Oil & Gas and GOIL Upstream Limited, said the discovery was particularly encouraging at a time when Ghana is seeking to replenish its petroleum reserves, attract fresh exploration investment and address declining production.

The Chief Executive of GNPC, Kwame Now Amoah, said the significance of the discovery extended beyond the hydrocarbons encountered, as it had established a new geological play for further exploration.

He said the next step would be to determine the scale and commercial potential of the discovery through detailed technical evaluation.

“At a time when replenishing our reserves and sustaining production are national priorities, this is an encouraging development,” he said.

Mr Amoah added that GNPC looked forward to working with Planet One Oil & Gas and GOIL Upstream to build on the discovery and advance the opportunities it presented for Ghana’s petroleum development and production.

The Corporation said further technical work would be required to establish the size, characteristics and commercial viability of the discovery before decisions could be made on subsequent exploration and appraisal activities.

It added that the discovery was expected to strengthen renewed interest and investment in petroleum exploration and production, particularly efforts to identify additional resources and improve the long-term outlook of the upstream sector.

GNPC commended Planet One Oil & Gas, GOIL Upstream and the technical teams involved in the drilling campaign for their collaboration.

The Corporation said it would continue working with its partners and relevant regulatory institutions to evaluate the discovery and determine the next steps in line with its mandate to support the exploration, development and responsible management of Ghana’s petroleum resources.

The DWCTP Block covers approximately 1,454 square kilometres and is operated by Planet One Oil & Gas in partnership with GNPC and GOIL Upstream Limited.

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