By Prince Ahenkorah
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has claimed credit for the newly announced oil and gas discovery in Ghana’s Deepwater Cape Three Points block in the Tano Basin, arguing that the previous Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration laid the groundwork for the exploration project.
Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee and Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako-Mensah, says key contractual, administrative and regulatory processes that enabled the discovery were completed before the NPP government left office in January 2025.
His comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement on Tuesday, November 10, of a new offshore hydrocarbon discovery by Planet One Oil and Gas Limited in partnership with GOIL Upstream Limited and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
The discovery was made following the drilling of the Nya Gyidie-1X exploration well in the Deepwater Cape Three Points contract area. It contains gas and condensate, although its estimated commercial size is yet to be established.
Announcing the discovery, President Mahama described it as an important milestone for Ghana’s petroleum industry, particularly because it represents the country’s first successful test of a Cenomanian-Turonian carbonate play.
He said the discovery demonstrated renewed investor confidence in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reversing the decline in oil production through fresh investments and exploration activities.
However, Adomako-Mensah has argued that the achievement should not be attributed solely to the current administration, insisting that the foundation for the exploration success was laid under the previous government.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, November 11, the MP outlined a series of decisions and approvals that facilitated Planet One’s entry into the contract area and its eventual appointment as operator.
According to him, the process dates back to May 2021, when ExxonMobil, the then operator of the Deepwater Tano Cape Three Points (DWTCTP) contract area, communicated its decision to relinquish its interest in the block.
Following ExxonMobil’s exit, the Ministry of Energy, in May 2022, approved the transfer of its 80 per cent participating interest to GOIL Offshore, which already held a five per cent stake. This brought GOIL Offshore’s interest to 85 per cent, while GNPC retained 15 per cent.
Adomako-Mensah said the Ministry subsequently directed GOIL Offshore to secure a strategic partner to strengthen its capacity to meet the obligations under the petroleum agreement.
That process, he explained, resulted in the Ministry’s approval on February 14, 2024, for GOIL Offshore to transfer 75 per cent of its participating interest to Planet One Oil and Gas Limited.
Planet One was subsequently nominated by the partners as the operator of the contract area, with the Ministry approving the nomination.
The MP also cited the extension of the Initial Exploration Period as another significant step that paved the way for the discovery.
He said the Petroleum Commission granted a two-year extension, comprising an initial six-month extension and a subsequent 18-month extension, ending on January 2, 2026.
The extension, according to him, was intended to allow the companies to complete additional geological studies and undertake exploratory drilling.
“Thus, by January 7, 2025, when the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration handed over to President Mahama, all the background work from the side of the state culminating in the just announced discovery had been sealed,” he stated.
Adomako-Mensah consequently called for recognition of the previous administration’s contribution to the project, particularly acknowledging former Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh for his role in the processes.
“Let us give credit when necessary!!!!” he wrote, adding: “Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh You played a key role. Thanks, sir.”
Meanwhile, President Mahama has said his administration is working to restore investor confidence, resolve outstanding disputes with petroleum operators and attract new investments to strengthen Ghana’s oil and gas industry.
He disclosed that crude oil production had increased to more than 120,000 barrels per day, while existing operators had committed substantial capital towards new projects.
The Jubilee partners have reportedly committed $2 billion, with additional investments involving Tullow and its partners expected to support exploration, infrastructure development and production expansion.
The President also announced that amendments to the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act had been submitted to Cabinet to introduce improved incentives for investors.
He stressed that Ghana must continue discovering new reserves to replace those depleted through production, adding that the benefits of petroleum investments must translate into employment, business opportunities and increased participation by local companies.
“Our goal is to turn those resources into jobs and opportunities for millions, and to deliver a tangible improvement in the lives of our people,” President Mahama said.