Mahama announces new offshore oil discovery in Ghana’s Deepwater Cape Three Points
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a new offshore hydrocarbon discovery in Ghana’s Deepwater Cape Three Points contract area, describing it as an important milestone in the country’s efforts to expand petroleum exploration and production.
The discovery was made by Planet One Oil and Gas Limited in partnership with GOIL Upstream Limited and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) through the drilling of the Nya Gyidie 9-1X well.
Speaking at the 2026 Local Content Conference and Exhibition organised by the Petroleum Commission in Takoradi, President Mahama said the discovery demonstrated renewed confidence in Ghana’s petroleum potential and the government’s efforts to revitalise the upstream sector.
He explained that the discovery marked Ghana’s first successful test of a Cenomanian-Turonian Carbonate-Clay formation as a primary exploration target, with the Albian formation also targeted as a secondary objective.
Announcing the discovery, the President said: “I am pleased to announce that Planet One Oil and Gas Ltd., together with its partners, GOIL Upstream Ltd. and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, have made a new offshore discovery.”
He further explained the significance of the well, stating: “The hydrocarbon discovery at the Nya Gyidie 9-1X well in the Deepwater Cape Three Points contract area marks an important milestone for Ghana. It is the country’s first successful test of a Cenomanian-Turonian Carbonate-Clay as a primary exploration target.”
President Mahama said the name Nya Gyidie, which means “Have Faith”, reflected the confidence behind the exploration project and the partners’ commitment to Ghana’s petroleum industry.
“By drilling this well, Planet One and its partners fulfilled an exploration commitment and demonstrated confidence in Ghana and in the direction of our research agenda. And that is why it is called Nya Gyidie, which means have faith,” he stated.
Congratulating the companies on the achievement, the President urged the Petroleum Commission to ensure that other licence holders fulfilled their exploration obligations, particularly those whose agreed work programmes were behind schedule.
“Our priority now is to accelerate responsible exploration and to put in place the infrastructure Ghana needs to develop its petroleum resources sustainably,” he said.
President Mahama added that the ultimate objective was to transform the country’s petroleum resources into employment opportunities and sustainable improvements in the living conditions of Ghanaians.
He also disclosed that the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, through its subsidiary, Exploco, was preparing to drill its first exploration wells in the Botean Basin, with drilling expected to commence in the first quarter of 2027.
Additionally, government is engaging international energy companies, including ENI, Vitol, Shell, Chevron and Petrobras, on prospective acreages in Ghana’s western and eastern sedimentary basins.
The President revealed that three memoranda of understanding had been signed on key terms for three petroleum blocks, while discussions on additional petroleum agreements were ongoing.
He urged petroleum operators to engage host communities early, minimise adverse environmental and social impacts, and create meaningful opportunities for residents in areas where exploration and production activities take place.
