Springfield Exploration and Production (E&P) is on track to complete appraisal drilling on its Afina-1x well by late November, a project expected to bolster Ghana’s position in the global oil market.

The drilling is taking place aboard the Deepsea Bollsta, a rig operated by Norway’s Northern Ocean Limited, and overseen by WellTest Supervisor Willem Drogt.

The project is a collaboration between Springfield, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), and GNPC Explorco, aimed at finalising the unitisation of the Afina-Sankofa oil fields.

This follows a July court ruling in favour of Springfield Group, marking a significant step toward the development of these fields, with an expected production of 50,000 barrels of crude per day.

Mr. Drogt, speaking during a media tour of the rig, expressed optimism about the drilling progress.

“It’s moving forward,” he said.

“The objective is to get hydrocarbons at the surface and evaluate the size of the reservoir for Springfield. We’re hopeful it will be economically viable.”

The drilling, which began on October 17, is progressing within its 35-day timeframe despite initial delays from equipment issues, according to Drogt, who noted that the team has resolved these challenges.

The well, located approximately 7,000 kilometres from Ghana’s shore and 4,000 meters underwater, represents a significant milestone for Springfield, which stands to become the first fully Ghanaian-owned company to operate in upstream oil and gas.

Successful completion could solidify Springfield’s role as a major player in Ghana’s oil industry and enhance the nation’s stature in the energy sector.