Ghana’s first deepwater oil firm, Springfield Exploration and Production Limited, has kicked off appraisal operations on its Afina-1x well in West Cape Three Points Block 2.
This development comes three months after an international tribunal upheld Ghana’s right to proceed with the unitisation process for the Afina-Sankofa field, a collaboration meant to maximize oil recovery.
On October 17, 2024, the Deepsea Bollsta rig from the Northern Ocean arrived at the Afina-1x well and began drilling operations as part of Springfield’s mandate. This milestone fulfills Springfield’s commitment to initiate the appraisal within three months of the tribunal’s ruling. The project is seen as a crucial step in securing Ghana’s oil production and countering its decline.
Springfield’s CEO, Kevin Okyere, praised the team’s hard work, highlighting the rigorous preparations involved, which include securing top industry talent with over 60 years of experience.
The project has already attracted significant investment, with Springfield dedicating over $60 million to the appraisal and well-testing efforts. According to Okyere, the initial data looks promising, and the appraisal will help confirm the potential of the oil field. He emphasized that Springfield’s agility and dedication as a local operator enabled it to navigate industry challenges, including securing a high-demand rig despite global scarcity.
At a recent community engagement, Springfield updated stakeholders, including local fishermen, on the project’s progress. The company advised them to avoid fishing near the rig to prevent accidents. Community leaders, such as Nana Kweku Amosa, applauded Springfield’s visionary leadership and urged Ghanaians to support the company in achieving national energy goals.
Springfield’s work marks a significant achievement as the first Ghanaian firm to operate a deep offshore oil field. Okyere expressed pride in this accomplishment, noting that it symbolizes what African companies can achieve. He called on Ghanaians to take pride in this national milestone, which is expected to strengthen Ghana’s position in the oil industry and contribute to economic growth.
