Ghana News
Ghana Moves to Claim $3Bn Deepwater Oil Block as State Seeks Control of Springfield Discovery
Ghana is preparing to take control of one of its most valuable untapped offshore oil and gas assets—an exploration block containing an estimated 1.5 billion barrels of oil and 1.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
The move marks one of the most consequential state interventions in the country’s upstream sector in over a decade.
The asset, identified and developed by Springfield E&P, is widely regarded by energy analysts as the most promising deepwater discovery made by an African independent operator in recent times. Business Africa Insider first reported that the government intends to acquire Springfield’s operating interest to accelerate development and secure long-term national participation.
If approved, the transaction—valued at over $3 billion in potential resource terms—would shift operational control to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), giving the state a stronger hand in shaping one of the country’s largest future revenue streams.
A Historic Ghanaian Discovery with Delayed Progress
Springfield E&P made history when it became the first Ghanaian—and first African—independent company to drill in deep water and strike commercial-scale oil. Early assessments suggest the reserves could rival the Jubilee field, whose 2010 debut dramatically reshaped Ghana’s economy.
But years of regulatory disputes, disagreements over unitisation with neighbouring blocks, and commercial stalemates left the resource idle. Government officials say intervention is now unavoidable.
“The state cannot allow a multi-billion-dollar national asset to sit undeveloped,” one senior official told Business Africa Insider, noting that the acquisition could translate into earlier production, more predictable revenue, and stronger energy security at a time of declining output across the country’s older fields.
Under the proposed arrangement, GNPC would assume Springfield’s operating stake, with room to bring in international partners through joint development agreements. Officials frame the move as both economic and geopolitical—ensuring Ghana retains leverage over its most significant future hydrocarbon play.
Energy analysts say the shift reflects a broader trend across Africa, where governments seek greater stakes in oil and gas projects to guard against global investment uncertainty and maintain control over strategic assets.
Kevin Okyere, founder of Springfield E&P, described the ongoing talks as constructive and focused on national interest.
“We are fully engaged in discussions with the Government regarding the future of the WCTP2 block,” he said. “Our position is straightforward: this asset must be advanced, and we are committed to ensuring a decisive and constructive outcome that serves Ghana and all stakeholders.”
Questions of Risk, Transparency and Cost
Civil-society groups and sector experts have urged caution, warning that state acquisition of a deepwater block—while strategically sound—comes with technical and financial risks. They argue that independent valuation, transparent terms, and a clear development plan are essential to avoid saddling the state with costly obligations.
Yet the urgency is hard to ignore. Ghana’s crude production has been tapering, with legacy fields entering decline and new investments proving slow to materialize.
Should the deal go through, it would fast-track one of West Africa’s most promising untapped discoveries and reaffirm the increasingly visible role of African independent firms in offshore exploration.
For Ghana, control of the block could represent both an economic buffer and a strategic asset—one that could reshape national revenues for years to come. The stakes are high, but so is the possibility of rewriting the country’s energy future.
Stay tuned for real-time stories breaking in Ghana. Return to the page for more stories as they break. (Updated February 17, 2026).
Court Orders Businessman to Pay GH¢200,000 for Breach of Promise to Marry
An Accra Circuit Court has ordered a businessman to pay GH¢200,000 in damages to a woman for breach of promise to marry after he failed to fulfil his commitment following a long-term relationship. The ruling, delivered February 14, 2026, followed evidence that the defendant had repeatedly assured the plaintiff of marriage, including family introductions and public engagements, before abruptly ending the relationship without justification. The court found the breach caused emotional distress and financial loss to the plaintiff. The case highlights ongoing legal recognition of breach of promise claims in Ghanaian courts.
Read the full story here
Late Frafra Queen Mother’s Grave Exhumed in Asante Mampong – Head Reportedly Chopped Off
The grave of the late Queen Mother of the Frafra community in Asante Mampong has been exhumed, with reports indicating her head was severed and removed. The incident, discovered on February 14, 2026, has shocked the traditional leadership and community, who suspect ritual or malicious intent. Police have launched an investigation, and chiefs have called for calm while traditional rites are performed to restore peace. The desecration has raised serious concerns about grave security and cultural respect in the Ashanti Region.
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COCOBOD Announces Salary Cuts, Cost Controls as Revenue Pressures Mount
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has introduced salary reductions for senior management and broad cost-control measures to address mounting revenue shortfalls and legacy debt. The February 14, 2026, announcement follows emergency Cabinet directives to stabilise the sector, with COCOBOD citing declining global cocoa prices, unpaid arrears, and financing constraints. The measures are intended to preserve operational capacity and ensure continuity of farmer payments and purchasing activities.
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Mahama Govt Has Made No Real Impact After One Year in Office – Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised the Mahama administration, stating that after one year in office, the government has failed to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of Ghanaians. In a February 14, 2026, address, he accused the NDC of recycling old policies, failing to address cost-of-living pressures, and lacking innovation in job creation and economic recovery. The Minority called for urgent results on the “Reset Ghana” promises made during the 2024 campaign.
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Mahama Rallies Fellow World Leaders to Support Accra Reset
President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to African and global leaders to support Ghana’s “Reset” agenda during his address at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa. On February 13, 2026, he outlined the initiative’s focus on governance renewal, economic transformation, anti-corruption measures, and regional cooperation, urging the AU to back Ghana’s efforts as a model for continental progress. Mahama also reiterated Ghana’s push for AfCFTA acceleration and debt relief mechanisms.
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Tony Aidoo Urges NDC to Focus on Policy Communication, Not Personal Praise for Mahama
Veteran NDC member Tony Aidoo has cautioned the party against excessive personal praise for President John Dramani Mahama, urging a shift toward clear policy communication and results. In comments on February 13, 2026, Aidoo said the focus should be on explaining the “Reset Ghana” agenda and delivering measurable outcomes rather than individual glorification. He emphasised that strong policy messaging will sustain public support more effectively than personality-driven narratives.
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Return to the page for more stories as they break
Happy Monday! Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place. Newspapers for February 17, 2026.
Ghana News
Russian Embassy Criticized for “Empty” Statement on Viral Exploitation Videos involving Citizen
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ghana has issued a brief statement in the wake of widespread public anger and social media uproar over allegations that Russian nationals are luring young Ghanaian women into filmed sexual encounters for online distribution without consent.
The release posted on X on February 16, 2026, fails to condemn the alleged exploitation, non-consensual recording, and distribution of intimate material by its nationals.
“The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Ghana has taken note of the reports in the Ghanaian media on the alleged involvement of a supposedly Russian citizen engaged in sexual activities with some Ghanaian women and recorded those acts without consent,” the post read.
The response comes after days of viral outrage on X, TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups, where screenshots, testimonies, and alleged links to explicit content prompted hashtags such as #ProtectGhanaianWomen and #StopTheRussianScheme.
MP Sam George, chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection, has announced Ghana’s intent to pursue extradition if the primary suspect.
Responses on X
Responses to the post have been stronly worded. One person posted:
“Never trust those Russian scum. They throw African men into their war as cannon fodder & treat African women like disposable sex toys. Pure racist evil. Predators, not partners. WAKE UP AFRICA.”
Another asked:
“Any action taken?”
Another asked:
“So after taking the note, what next?”
Ghanaian authorities have disclosed they will pursue extradition proceedings against the man, said to have left Ghana.
The decision was announced by Member of Parliament Sam George on February 13, 2026, following weeks of public outrage over the alleged scheme.
According to Sam George — who chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection — the suspect is believed to be a Russian national who used dating apps and social media to target young Ghanaian women, particularly students and professionals in Accra and other urban centres.
Victims were reportedly lured with promises of money, gifts or relationships, only to discover later that explicit videos were uploaded to adult websites and shared in private groups, often leading to blackmail, humiliation and threats.
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