Ghana’s debate over the potential acquisition of Springfield Exploration and Production Limited’s stake in the West Cape Three Points Block 2 (WCTP2) has intensified, prompting a senior official at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to urge Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to remain measured as the government proceeds with its technical and commercial evaluation.
Dr. Yussif Sulemana, Technical Advisor and Focal Point for the Second Gas Processing Plant, says the government should be trusted to carry out a rigorous, expert-led assessment of the block before taking any irreversible decisions.
His comments come amid concerns raised by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), which has criticised the government’s intentions regarding the Springfield stake.
Dr. Sulemana emphasised that the administration is not recklessly pursuing the asset but is instead subjecting the WCTP2 field to strict technical scrutiny. “We already have a field that has been derisked to some extent,” he explained.
“When I say derisked, it means they have gotten to the stage where if the volume they are talking about is actually proven, that is what we have in place, it will change the fortunes.
“Government is not just moving to acquire that asset; we should give the current administration the benefit of the doubt.”
Dr. Yussif Sulemana, Technical Advisor to Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
Dr. Sulemana stressed that this engagement marks the first time the government has promised to bring in an independent expert with a proven track record to examine all available subsurface and commercial data.
“This is the first time they promised to engage an independent expert with a proven track record to be able to assess available data and even go further.
“If it is proven that it is nothing to write home about, I think the government will just walk away from it.”
Dr. Yussif Sulemana, Technical Advisor to Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
Independence and Data Integrity Will Guide the Process
According to Dr. Sulemana, a full verification of data submitted by Springfield and other stakeholders will be crucial. He reiterated that the government will not rely solely on Springfield’s earlier technical submissions, which have previously been the subject of contestation during unitisation discussions.
“This boils down to the fact that we need an independent person with a proven track record.
“At the end of the day, if Petroleum Commission comes to the data that it might be doubtful with the other party, which is Springfield, we are not going to use only Springfield data. Of course, that data was already contested.”
Dr. Yussif Sulemana, Technical Advisor to Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
He added that the expert review could include drilling new wells or acquiring additional seismic data should that be required to establish the reservoir potential.
“If it requires drilling to acquire further data to prove beyond reasonable doubt, technically, that the field is what it is, then the government can move on.”
Dr. Yussif Sulemana, Technical Advisor to Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
Dr. Sulemana was optimistic about the potential national benefits if the field’s estimated resources are confirmed through independent assessment. He suggested that WCTP2 could become one of the most significant additions to Ghana’s petroleum portfolio in recent years.
“It will be very huge. For instance, the last analysis they did, the oil in place is over 1.5 billion; of course, we are going to test to make sure it is true.
“We are talking of gas over a trillion. This is huge…I can tell you it is going to change the fortunes of Ghana.”
Dr. Yussif Sulemana, Technical Advisor to Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
His remarks underscore the high-stakes nature of the government’s decision, as Ghana grapples with declining production from mature fields and tightening petroleum revenues.
CSO Pushback and Government Response
The debate intensified after the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) criticised the government’s plan to pursue Springfield’s stake, warning of potential risks to transparency and fiscal responsibility. ACEP has questioned the clarity of the process and urged caution in any state-led acquisition.
Dr. Sulemana, however, argued that the government’s planned use of independent experts should help address such concerns.
He maintained that the administration’s approach prioritises national interest, adding that officials will not hesitate to abandon the engagement if evidence shows that the acquisition would not benefit Ghana.
“If it is established that the arrangement is not in the interests of the country, government will walk away.”
As Ghana’s oil output continues to decline, industry experts see the fate of WCTP2 as an important test of the country’s strategy to secure future production, attract new investment, and strengthen energy security.
Dr. Sulemana’s statements suggest that the government is positioning itself to balance commercial prudence with strategic ambition, seeking to unlock new reserves while addressing long-standing concerns around transparency and technical rigour.
The coming months, during which independent experts are expected to analyse the data, are set to determine whether WCTP2 becomes a major pillar of Ghana’s petroleum future or another cautionary tale in the evolving dynamics of the country’s upstream industry.
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