Ghana National Petroleum Corporation's (GNPC) initial assessment of samples of what appears to be crude oil sprouting out from a hand-dug well at Jumbo near Kpassa in the Volta Region, has shown a positive result.
The GNPC's team of experts have expressed surprise about the substance which looked almost refined compared to most unrefined crude oil.
Mr Obeng Gyan, a technical director at GNPC told chiefs and people of Jumbo that forensic investigation would be performed to find the veracity or otherwise of the oily substance.
He urged the people to avoid contact with the resource because should the test become positive, the crude oil could contain harmful chemicals due to its complex mixture of hydrocarbons and petrochemicals that possibly could affect the brain, lungs, skin and the nervous system.
Mr Gyan showed samples of hydrocarbons from other areas, which appear darker in colour than the substance oozing from the Jumbo well.
He suggested this could be a special discovery and could occur in a reservoir underground, assuring that ensuing investigations would settle the matter.
Mr Oti Bless, Member of Parliament for Nkwanta North said the area is hard hit by water scarcity, especially in the dry season resulting in the discovery and a possible good omen if proven positive.
Mr Paul Levin Gyato, Nkwnata North District Chief Executive urged his compatriots to tread cautiously as “it is too early to begin to count the gains.”
National Security operatives are currently protecting the area.