The government’s decision to withdraw the 2020 Unitization Directives on the Sankofa oil field has been welcomed as a positive step toward restoring investor confidence in Ghana’s petroleum sector.
In a statement issued in Accra, Eni acknowledged the move, pledging its commitment to working with the government to advance Ghana’s energy sector.
“In line with the Government’s objectives, Eni remains committed to leverage its portfolio of innovative projects, seizing new opportunities both in traditional and transition energy sectors, while strengthening domestic energy security and sustainability,” the company stated.
The decision follows high-level engagements between Ghanaian authorities and Eni, including a meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi. The discussions centered on unlocking short- and medium-term oil and gas development opportunities that could reshape Ghana’s energy landscape. The Italian oil giant has also met official of Ghana National Oil Company – the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to discuss possible areas of collaboration.
This renewed collaboration comes in the wake of past tensions, notably Eni’s decision to take legal action against Ghana at the International Court of Arbitration over the controversial Springfield unitization saga. The dispute, triggered by a government directive to merge Eni’s Sankofa field with Springfield’s Afina discovery, raised concerns among industry players about regulatory uncertainty and its impact on investment.
