Further finds needed in Ghana's offshore

Exploration and production projects are being fast-tracked

Last September's resolution of a maritime border dispute between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire has triggered a flurry of offshore activity both on existing developments and in the acquisition of new acreage. But more exploration is needed if the country is to continue expanding oil and gas production. The proposed entry of ExxonMobil into deepwater exploration, announced in February, is perhaps the most significant manifestation of renewed interest in the Ghanaian offshore. Having had to abandon efforts to acquire a stake in Tullow's Jubilee field project in 2010, the supermajor now wants in again, lining up a petroleum agreement for the Deepwater Cape Three Points block, once held by Lukoil. By e