14. East Keta Block (2,239sqkm)
Contract Parties
GOSCO (Operator), Heritage E&P, Blue Star E&P, GNPC EXPLORCO.
Effective Date/Initial Exploration Period
Effective Date: February 05, 2015
Initial Exploration Period (2.5 years + 2 years): February 05, 2015 – August 04, 2019
Minimum Exploration Program (Initial Phase)
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Reprocess existing 2D and acquire 1500sqkm of 3D seismic
Minimum Expenditure
$15,000,000
Observations as of 2017
Initiated efforts to reprocess existing data and license 2D data on the area. Initial exploration period has been extended by 2 more years.
The extended period has also expired and the contractor has not met the minimum work obligations. GNPC’s subsidiary is the operator of the block but that is not an excuse to shield majority interest holders from nonperformance.
The Contractor engaged CGG in 2016 to acquire 3D seismic data. The seismic vessel was intercepted by Togolese navy and frustrated the acquisition work. The matter still remains unresolved between Ghana and Togo.
The contractors on this block are required to reprocess existing 2D seismic data and acquire 1500sqkm 3D seismic data. Even after a 2-year extension to the initial exploration in 2017, the contractors have still failed to deliver on their minimum work obligations. However, the contractors have not been sanctioned for their non-performance. Coincidentally, the operator is a subsidiary of GNPC.