Irish exploration firm Tullow has announced that it is set to achieve first oil in Ghana's offshore Jubilee field in the second half of next year.

A statement from the company was issued after its production strategy was formally approved by Ghana's minister for energy.

Paul McDade, Tullow's chief operating officer, said that achieving approval was an important milestone for development of the vast Jubilee field.

"By securing rig capacity and commencing the construction and drilling phases in advance, Tullow is confident that it will deliver first oil from this deepwater project just over three years since the first discovery well was drilled," he said.

Meanwhile, Joy Online also reports that Rosalind Kainyah, vice-president of external affairs and corporate social responsibility for Tullow Ghana, has confirmed that the company will also be targeting small and medium-sized enterprises in a training and development programme designed to ensure that everyone benefits from the oil find.

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