Eni Ghana, in partnership with Vitol Upstream Ghana Ltd and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has officially commenced drilling operations for Sankofa East 1X Side Track 2, reinforcing its commitment to Ghana’s upstream oil and gas development.
The operation is taking place approximately 60 nautical miles off the Ghanaian coast, near the John Agyekum Kufuor FPSO, and marks a major step in the continued development of the Sankofa field, part of the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) block.
Cutting-edge rig arrives from Côte d’Ivoire
The Deep Value Driller (DVD), a next-generation drillship equipped with advanced automated technology, is now at work offshore Ghana.
Fresh off successful operations in Côte d’Ivoire, the vessel is one of the most sophisticated in the world, known for its efficiency, operational safety, and environmental compliance.
Its deployment underscores the consortium’s focus on high-tech, safe, and sustainable energy exploration to enhance the long-term production capacity of the Sankofa field, a core part of Ghana’s energy mix.
Boosting energy security and long-term output
According to Eni Ghana and its partners, this latest drilling campaign aims to unlock new reserves and bolster production to ensure Ghana’s energy security over the coming decades.
The Sankofa East 1X Side Track 2 is seen as a strategic addition to the broader OCTP project, which has already made significant contributions to Ghana’s oil and gas output since its inception.
“This operation is a testament to our shared goal of sustaining long-term production and delivering value to the people of Ghana,” the partners stated in a joint release.
Stakeholder engagement at the forefront
Ahead of the drilling campaign, Eni and its partners undertook extensive stakeholder engagement activities across coastal communities in Ghana.
These included consultations with over 800 local fishermen, community leaders, and regulatory stakeholders to ensure transparency, cooperation, and minimal disruption to livelihoods.
Key institutions involved in the outreach included the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Petroleum Commission (PC), Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Ghana Navy, Fisheries Commission, and the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC).
The engagement effort reflects the partners’ understanding of the socioeconomic importance of Ghana’s coastal communities and the need to align industrial activity with community interests and marine sustainability.
Eni’s longstanding commitment in Ghana
Eni has been active in Ghana since 2009, leading exploration and production efforts in the country’s offshore blocks. The company currently holds a 44.4% stake in the OCTP project, with Vitol holding 35.6%, and GNPC owning 20%.
Beyond oil and gas, the joint venture also supports a portfolio of social and economic development initiatives in Ghana, including projects in skills training, economic diversification, sanitation, and access to energy, particularly in under-resourced communities.
As of 2025, Eni’s operations in Ghana produce approximately 34,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with ongoing investments aimed at ensuring sustainable, environmentally responsible development of the country’s hydrocarbon resources.
A new chapter in offshore excellence The Sankofa East 1X Side Track 2 campaign adds another chapter to the growing narrative of offshore energy development in Ghana.
It signals confidence in the country’s petroleum sector, bolstered by strategic partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and community-centred operations.
