Eni welcomes Ghana’s withdrawal of Sankofa unitisation directives

Italian energy giant Eni has welcomed the Ghanaian government’s decision to withdraw the Unitisation Directives related to the Sankofa Cenomanian oil field.

The directives, issued in 2020, had been a source of controversy, with Eni and its partners raising concerns over their potential impact on operations.

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition’s decision to withdraw the directives is seen as a positive move by both Eni and its partner, Vitol.

Eni, which has been operating in Ghana since 2009, reaffirmed its commitment to exploring new opportunities in both traditional and transition energy sectors.

“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 said in a statement issued on Thursday.

Eni’s operations in Ghana are centred on the Sankofa field, located offshore in the Tano Basin. The field is projected to produce oil and gas until 2040, with Eni serving as the operator.

The company has also expressed interest in expanding its presence in Ghana, including potential investments in renewable energy projects.

Meanwhile, Springfield E&P—which had been involved in the unitisation discussions—is yet to respond to the government’s decision.