The Saltpond Corals
In 2025, Coral Reefstoration Ghana’s divers visited the Saltpond Oil Field, Ghana’s earliest offshore oil and gas installation and found that the infrastructure has been colonised by corals beneath the water.
We have documented our findings and produced a white paper with recommendations to ensure the decommissioning process can preserve the ecological and economic benefits of the Saltpond coral colony.
The Saltpond Corals Gallery
Underwater photography by George Amado, Co-Founder and Director, Coral Reefstoration Ghana
WHITE PAPER
THE SALTPOND CORALS REPORT
Pathways for preserving a valuable ecosystem during offshore decommissioning
Executive Summary
In 2025, Coral Reefstoration Ghana’s divers visited the Saltpond Oil Field, Ghana’s earliest offshore oil and gas installation. Our team found that the infrastructure has been colonised by corals beneath the water.
As Saltpond is due for decommissioning, we have written this report to explore the potential of conducting a decommissioning process that partially retains the subsea infrastructure as an artificial reef, to conserve the coral habitat.
Our report reviews evidence from Rigs-to-Reefs programs around the world, and makes recommendations to ensure the decommissioning process can preserve the ecological and economic benefits that the Saltpond coral colony provides for Ghana.
Author: Zita Abila, Research and Programs Lead, Coral Reefstoration Ghana