The Petroleum Commission says the Nya Gyidie-1X discovery in the Deepwater Cape Three Points Block has opened a new exploration play in Ghana’s Tano Basin, after drilling confirmed a significant hydrocarbon accumulation.
The exploratory well, drilled by Planet One Oil and Gas Limited with partners GOIL Upstream and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, represents Ghana’s first successful test of a Cenomanian-Turonian carbonate play as a primary target.
The well also provided new geological information on the Albian formation, which was assessed as a secondary target and showed signs of hydrocarbons.
The Commission said the result could widen the search for petroleum resources beyond the geological formations associated with Ghana’s existing producing fields.
Well reaches 3,550 metres
Nya Gyidie-1X was spudded on October 15 using the Noble Venturer, a seventh-generation ultra-deepwater drillship.
The well reached a total measured depth of 3,550 metres and was drilled in approximately 2,289 metres of water, about 148 kilometres offshore Ghana.
According to the Petroleum Commission, drilling and wireline logs, together with reservoir fluid samples, confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons.
The well has since been suspended and plugged while the partners prepare for further technical evaluation.
Additional drilling will be required to determine the size, characteristics and commercial potential of the discovery.
The block covers part of acreage previously explored by ExxonMobil before the company relinquished its interest in 2021. Planet One now operates the block with GNPC and GOIL Upstream as partners.
Commission sees new exploration potential
Petroleum Commission Chief Executive Emeafa Hardcastle described the result as an important validation of the government's push to accelerate exploration and replace reserves depleted through production.
“We are pleased that the first well drilled by Planet One is a success.
“The discovery validates the government’s new strategic direction of reserve replacement that focuses on accelerating exploration.” - Emeafa Hardcastle
Hardcastle said the regulator would work with Planet One and its partners to examine appraisal options and determine how the discovery could eventually move towards development.
For Ghana, reserve replacement has become increasingly important after years of declining crude production and limited exploration drilling.
President John Dramani Mahama, who announced the discovery at the 2026 Local Content Conference in Takoradi, said the find was part of renewed activity in an upstream industry government is trying to revive.
Government points to renewed investor interest
Petroleum Commission Board Chairman Ernest Thompson said the discovery comes alongside new drilling by operators in the Jubilee and Offshore Cape Three Points areas.
“This new discovery signals renewed investor confidence in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector as government implements measures to revitalise the industry following a long period of low activity.” - Ernest Thompson
Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor also linked the renewed drilling campaign to policy changes being pursued by government to make Ghana’s upstream fiscal regime more competitive.
Government has proposed amendments to the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, including changes to royalties and state participation, as it seeks additional petroleum agreements and fresh exploration capital.
“The restart of drilling activities and the renewed phase of investment demonstrates confidence in the new direction taken by the government,” Jinapor said.
The commercial significance of Nya Gyidie-1X will now depend on appraisal work. For the Petroleum Commission, however, the immediate importance is geological: the well has identified a new exploration play that could encourage companies to reassess other prospects across the Tano Basin.
