Afigya Kwabre North Member of Parliament Collins Adomako-Mensah has attributed the groundwork for Ghana’s newly announced oil and gas discovery in the Deepwater Tano Cape Three Points (DWTCTP) block to the previous administration.

The previous administration was that of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee insists that critical contractual and administrative decisions paved the way for the discovery. These decisions were taken under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government. Moreover, he argues that its contribution must not be overlooked.

Mahama announces discovery

His remarks follow President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. On that day, Mahama announced a new oil and gas discovery in the Deepwater Cape Three Points block in the Tano Basin.

The discovery was made at the Nya Gyidie-1X exploration well in the Deepwater Cape Three Points (DWCTP) block. It was made by Planet One Oil & Gas Limited, which worked in partnership with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

President Mahama announced the discovery at the opening of the 2026 Local Content Conference and Exhibition. The conference was organised by the Petroleum Commission in Takoradi.

The well has encountered gas and condensate. However, the estimated size and commercial potential of the discovery are yet to be established.

According to the President, the successful drilling exercise demonstrates renewed investor confidence in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector. Furthermore, it highlights the growing capacity of indigenous companies to undertake major exploration activities.

The Deepwater Cape Three Points block is currently operated by Planet One Oil & Gas, which holds a 75 per cent participating interest. GNPC holds 15 per cent. Meanwhile, GOIL Upstream owns the remaining 10 per cent.

The block was previously operated by American oil giant ExxonMobil, which relinquished its interest in 2021.

President Mahama said the discovery reflected the government’s efforts to restore investor confidence and resolve outstanding industry challenges. Moreover, it aims to attract fresh investments to reverse declining crude oil production.

Collins Adomako-Mensah reacts

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Adomako-Mensah provided a timeline of the decisions and approvals that facilitated Planet One’s entry into the contract area. Furthermore, he also covered its eventual appointment as operator.

He said the process began in May 2021. At that time, ExxonMobil was the operator of the DWTCTP contract area. ExxonMobil announced its decision to relinquish its interest in the block.

In May 2022, the Ministry of Energy approved the transfer of ExxonMobil’s 80 per cent participating interest to GOIL Offshore, which already held a five per cent stake. Consequently, this transaction increased GOIL Offshore’s interest to 85 per cent, leaving GNPC with 15 per cent. According to the MP, these were the final interests.

He explained that the Ministry subsequently instructed GOIL Offshore to find a strategic partner. This was to help it fulfil its obligations under the petroleum agreement.

That requirement paved the way for the Ministry’s February 14, 2024 approval of GOIL Offshore’s request. The request was to transfer 75 per cent of its participating interest to Planet One.

Planet One was later nominated by the partners to operate the contract area, a nomination that also received ministerial approval.

Adomako-Mensah further pointed to the extension of the Initial Exploration Period. He said this was necessary to enable the companies to complete outstanding studies and undertake exploratory drilling.

He said the Petroleum Commission granted a two-year extension, made up of an initial six months and a subsequent 18 months. The period ends on January 2, 2026.

According to him, the extension was specifically intended to facilitate additional studies and the drilling of an exploration well.

“Thus, by January 7, 2025, when the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration handed over to President Mahama, all the background work from the side of the state culminating in the just announced discovery had been sealed,” he wrote.

The Afigya Kwabre North MP urged the public to acknowledge the previous government’s contribution to the project. He singled out former Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh for recognition.

“Let us give credit when necessary!!!!” he said, adding: “Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh You played a key role. Thanks, sir.”