Ghana Records First Carbonate Reservoir Hydrocarbon Discovery Amid Push to Revive Oil Production and Expand Refining Capacity
Ghana has achieved a significant milestone in its oil and gas industry with the country’s first-ever hydrocarbon discovery in a carbonate reservoir, opening a new frontier for exploration as it seeks to attract fresh investment and reverse declining production.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the discovery during a conference in the Western Region, describing it as a breakthrough that broadens Ghana’s petroleum potential beyond the sandstone formations that have hosted all of the country’s previous commercial oil and gas discoveries.
The find was made at the Nya Gyidie-1X exploration well in the Deepwater Cape Three Points block, approximately 148 kilometres offshore.
The well represents the first successful test of a Cenomanian-Turonian carbonate play as a primary exploration target in Ghana.
The Deepwater Cape Three Points block is operated by Planet One Oil & Gas in partnership with GOIL Upstream Ltd and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
The concession spans about 1,454 square kilometres, while the exploration well was drilled in water depths of 2,289 metres, underscoring the technical complexity of Ghana’s deepwater exploration efforts.
According to Planet One Oil & Gas, hydrocarbons were encountered during drilling, confirming the geological potential of the reservoir.
However, further studies are required to determine the type, volume and commercial viability of the discovery.
Planet One Chief Executive Officer Andaleeb Sehgal said additional technical evaluations are underway to assess the scale of the resource and identify potential development pathways.
The company also plans further onshore and offshore drilling campaigns over the next 12 to 18 months as it expands exploration activities in the region.
The well’s name, Nya Gyidie-1X, translates to “Have Faith” in the Akan language, reflecting the optimism surrounding the discovery.
The announcement comes as Ghana intensifies efforts to revitalize its upstream petroleum industry.
In recent months, the government has secured billions of dollars in investment commitments aimed at increasing production and replenishing reserves.
The country is also advancing plans for a major expansion of its Petroleum Hub project, including a proposed 300,000-barrel-per-day refinery that could strengthen Ghana’s position as a regional fuel processing and distribution center in West Africa.
Energy Minister John Jinapor described the discovery as an important milestone for the sector, noting that it supports the government’s broader strategy of attracting investment, boosting production and unlocking new resource opportunities.
While commercial development remains subject to further technical assessment, the discovery marks a potentially transformative step for Ghana’s energy sector.
If additional exploration confirms significant recoverable resources, carbonate reservoirs could emerge as a new target for future offshore oil and gas development across the country.
