Planet One Opens New Exploration Frontier With Offshore Ghana Hydrocarbon Discovery
• Nya Gyidie-1X marks the first hydrocarbon discovery in a carbonate reservoir in Ghana, opening a new geological target for the country’s upstream oil and gas sector.
• Discovery made during Planet One’s first deepwater drilling campaign as Ghana steps up efforts to attract new upstream investment and exploration.
Planet One Oil & Gas has announced the discovery of hydrocarbons at its Nya Gyidie-1X exploration well in the Deepwater Cape Three Points (DWCTP) Block offshore Ghana.
Nya Gyidie-1X marks the first successful test of a carbonate reservoir system in Ghana, opening a new geological target beyond the sandstone formations that have underpinned the country’s existing commercial discoveries.
The discovery comes as Ghana seeks to accelerate investment and exploration across its upstream petroleum sector. In July 2026, H.E. John Dramani Mahama announced $3.5 billion of new upstream investment commitments. The Government has also identified reserve replacement, increased production and renewed international investment as priorities for the sector.
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, said: “The hydrocarbon discovery at the Nya Gyidie-1X well in the Deepwater Cape Three Points Contract Area marks an important milestone for Ghana. It is the country’s first successful test of a Cenomanian– Turonian carbonate play as a primary exploration target. The well also targeted the Albian as a secondary objective. By drilling this well, Planet One and its partners fulfilled an exploration commitment and demonstrated confidence in Ghana and in the direction of our Reset Agenda. That is why I call it a well of faith. Our priority now is to accelerate responsible exploration and put in place the infrastructure Ghana needs to develop its petroleum resources sustainably. Our goal is to turn those resources into jobs and opportunities for Ghanaians and into lasting improvements in people’s lives. I congratulate Planet One and its partners on this achievement.”
Sanjeev Mansotra, Founder and Chairman of Planet One Group, added: “The discovery at Nya Gyidie-1X reinforces our confidence in Ghana and the potential of its oil and gas sector, opening new possibilities for future exploration. We have worked closely with the Government of Ghana for many years, and across every project our focus is on the impact it can create for the country. In oil and gas, that means supporting investment, jobs, skills and wider economic value over time. We are grateful to the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the Petroleum Commission, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and GOIL for their continued support and partnership.”
Dr. John Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Government of Ghana, said: “This latest hydrocarbon discovery in Ghana marks another significant milestone in our efforts to revitalise the upstream petroleum sector, attract strategic investments, increase production and strengthen our nation’s energy security. Under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, we remain committed to ensuring that our petroleum resources are responsibly developed to create jobs, accelerate economic growth and deliver lasting prosperity for the people of Ghana. Planet One has been a long-standing partner to the Government across various sectors and this milestone will further strengthen our collaboration going forward.”
Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah, Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), said: “The significance of Nya Gyidie-1X goes beyond the hydrocarbons encountered in this well. For the first time in Ghana, we have tested and confirmed hydrocarbons in a carbonate reservoir system, opening up a new geological play for further exploration. At a time when replenishing our reserves and sustaining production growth are national priorities, this is an encouraging development. The next task is to establish the scale and commercial potential of the discovery through rigorous technical evaluation. GNPC looks forward to working with Planet One and GOIL Upstream to build on this result and advance the development and production opportunities it presents for Ghana.”
Edward Abambire Bawa, Group Chief Executive Officer of GOIL PLC, said: “The Nya Gyidie-1X hydrocarbon discovery represents an important milestone for Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry and validates GOIL’s strategic decision to participate in exploration through GOIL Upstream Limited. As a Ghanaian company, we are particularly encouraged by the opening of a new exploration frontier and its potential contribution to the country’s long-term energy security. We commend Planet One, the operator, and our partners for this achievement and look forward to the next phase of technical evaluation to establish the discovery’s commercial potential.”
Located around 148 kilometres offshore Ghana, Nya Gyidie-1X was drilled in water depths of 2,289 metres, placing it firmly in ultra-deepwater. The well encountered hydrocarbons within carbonate rock between 3,364 and 3,499 metres measured depth along the wellbore, confirming the presence of hydrocarbons in a reservoir type not previously proven in Ghana.
The Deepwater Cape Three Points Block, where Nya Gyidie-1X was drilled, covers approximately 1,454 square kilometres offshore Ghana.
The block is operated by Planet One in partnership with GOIL Upstream Limited, a subsidiary of GOIL PLC, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation. Planet One’s partnership with GOIL Upstream was established in 2023 through Farm-In and Joint Operating Agreements to advance exploration across the block.
Planet One’s oil and gas activities in Ghana also extend beyond the Deepwater Cape Three Points Block with the overall portfolio also including other offshore and onshore blocks. Together, these form part of Planet One’s long-term plan to build an exploration and production presence across Ghana’s offshore and onshore petroleum basins.