Azonto exits Accra block off Ghana

Azonto Petroleum has decided not to continue with its deepwater exploration acreage in the Offshore Accra Block, Ghana.

According to the company, the decision was made as a result of a continued strategic review of its operations and prolonged discussions with the government of Ghana and potential partners with regard to ongoing participation in the offshore Accra Block.

Following the exit from the Block of other partners in March 2014 Azonto’s subsidiary Azonto Petroleum (Ghana) Limited, in which Vitol E&P Limited has a 43% interest, and the other remaining partner Afex Oil (Ghana) Limited (together the JV Partners), secured a 6-month extension of the Licence to September 23, 2014 for the purpose of determining whether suitable operating partners could be found to proceed with into the next phase of Exploration under the Petroleum Agreement. During the extension period the company undertook extensive technical work, including further detailed evaluation of the seismic data and remapping, and set up a detailed Data Room which was visited by over ten companies.

However, as a result of the currently challenging market conditions, a farmout agreement could not be finalised and the JV Partners have therefore elected not to seek a further extension to the Initial Exploration Period, nor to apply to enter into the First Extension Period under the Petroleum Agreement. As a consequence, the JV Partners have formally advised the Ghana Ministry of Energy and Petroleum that all of the Contract Area is relinquished and that Azonto Petroleum (Ghana) Limited has withdrawn as temporary Operator in respect of the Licence.

According to Azonto, there were no outstanding commitments under the work programme, which was completed in the period to December 31, 2013, and there is no cost to the company associated with the relinquishment.

Commenting on today’s announcement Azonto’s Managing Director, Gregory Stoupnitzky, said:

“Today’s announcement is another step in support of our strategy to focus on delivering value from our core asset in Cote d’Ivoire and prudently managing our balance sheet.  Relinquishing the Offshore Accra Block will reduce Azonto’s annual operating costs by up to USD 500k, which is in line with our commitment to reduce G&A whilst focusing on the delivery of our development project in Côte d’Ivoire. We look forward to working with our CI-202 partners towards delivering and unlocking full value for shareholders.”

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