The Ministry of Energy has strongly dismissed reports suggesting that government has agreed to pay US$700 million to US$800 million to Springfield Exploration & Production (SEP) for its interest in the Afina discovery located within the West Cape Three Points Block 2 (WCTP2).
According to the Ministry, ongoing engagements with SEP remain purely consultative, with no financial commitments, no settlement deal, and no approval for any payout.
Speaking during a high-level X Space discussion on the theme “WCTP2 Under Review: Technical Truths, Political Pressures & The Future of Ghana’s Oil Governance,” Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Richmond Rockson, made it clear that government has not sanctioned any payment to Springfield.
“Government has not decided to pay any US$700 or US$800 million for the Afina block.
“What we have said consistently is that an independent audit of the primary data will guide whatever decision is taken.”
Richmond Rockson, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry
The remark comes in the wake of intense public debate following the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition’s announcement of plans to assume Springfield’s interest in WCTP2, pending the resolution of longstanding technical and commercial disagreements.
Independent Technical Audit to Determine Way Forward
Mr Rockson emphasised that the ongoing independent audit is the single most important determinant of government’s future actions regarding the Afina field.
He noted that the audit is necessary due to stark differences between assessments by the Petroleum Commission, international consultants, and Springfield’s own interpretations of the field’s data.
He said the Ministry is committed to establishing objective, verifiable and industry-standard conclusions about the Afina well’s true commercial potential before making any policy commitment.
“We will not proceed based on unverified information.
“The audit is the most credible mechanism for resolving the discrepancies and determining whether the Afina discovery has commercial prospects worth pursuing.”
Richmond Rockson, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry
The independent review will evaluate reservoir data, flow rates, seismic interpretations, and projected recovery volumes, issues that have been the centre of controversy since 2019.
The Ministry of Energy urged the public, civil society organisations and analysts to refrain from circulating speculative figures that could distort national discussions and undermine public trust in the process.
Mr Rockson cautioned that false claims of a settlement are not only inaccurate but risk fuelling unnecessary political tension around an issue that requires technical clarity.
“Once the audit is completed, the report will inform the next steps.
“Until then, there is no justification for the figures being circulated.”
Richmond Rockson, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry
He stressed that government will maintain a transparent, methodical and evidence-based approach, one that protects the national interest and avoids premature judgments.
Engaging CSOs and Stakeholders for Clarity
The Ministry noted that it will continue engagements with civil society, industry experts, and development partners to promote understanding of the audit process and the principles guiding the WCTP2 review.
Mr Rockson said government welcomes constructive dialogue but insisted that decisions will be based on technical merit, not activism, political pressure or commercial lobbying.
“Government’s position is anchored on a technical-first approach.
“This process is not being driven by political considerations or pressure from any interest group.”
Richmond Rockson, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry
He added that further briefings will be provided as the audit progresses to ensure transparency and accountability.
The WCTP2/Afina matter has become one of Ghana’s most closely watched upstream issues due to its implications for investor confidence, local content, and state participation in petroleum operations.
For more than four years, the field has been the subject of disputed data, stalled unitisation efforts, and disagreements between Springfield, the Petroleum Commission and other stakeholders.
Government’s decision to take over the block has heightened scrutiny, with analysts cautioning against any premature financial commitments before a full technical picture emerges.
As the independent audit continues, all eyes remain on the Ministry’s next move, one that could reshape both policy direction and public confidence in Ghana’s upstream governance.
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