GNPC Begins Processes for Possible Takeover of Springfield’s Afina Oil Field
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
The Government of Ghana, through the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has initiated steps toward a potential state-led takeover of Springfield Exploration and Production’s Afina-1x oil discovery in the West Cape Three Points Block 2, one of the country’s most disputed and undeveloped petroleum assets.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, GNPC and its upstream subsidiary, GNPC Explorco, are engaged in constructive discussions with Springfield as part of efforts to safeguard national petroleum resources and prevent commercially viable reserves from remaining undeveloped.
The Petroleum Commission and GNPC have begun a procurement process to hire an independent technical consultant and a transactional advisor to ensure transparency and technical credibility.
Their mandate includes conducting a comprehensive technical evaluation of the WCTP2 block, auditing and verifying past expenditures, and preparing financial and commercial due diligence reports. The team will also undertake an independent valuation of Springfield’s interest in the field.
According to the ministry, these independent assessments are intended to establish a fair, transparent, and commercially sound foundation for any potential takeover.
The government indicated that its plan involves repositioning the asset for accelerated development, possibly in partnership with experienced deepwater operators.
“This approach ensures that all decisions are evidence-based, commercially prudent, and in the best interest of the Republic of Ghana,” the statement noted.
The ministry added that these processes are being conducted without prejudice to ongoing investigations involving Springfield or affiliated entities, stressing that institutional independence remains fully intact.
Government interest in the Afina field has heightened following years of stalled progress despite the confirmed discovery, at a time when Ghana’s oil production is declining and global energy transition trends continue to reshape upstream investment.
The statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting local content and indigenous participation, emphasising that any future development of the WCTP2 block will align with national policy to build a competitive, Ghanaian-led oil and gas sector.
