By Emmanuel Gamson
Takoradi, Oct. 14, GNA – Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders working in the fisheries and marine ecosystem have commended the Government for suspending offshore gold reconnaissance activities along Ghana’s western continental shelf.
A statement signed by the group and copied to the Ghana News Agency said while the stakeholders welcomed the suspension, they urged the Government to revoke all offshore gold reconnaissance licences held by Gold Coast GRC Ghana Limited.
The statement said the CSOs had taken note of a letter issued by the Minerals Commission, acting on the directive of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, ordering the immediate suspension of all activities under the licences pending the completion of consultations.
“The processes now initiated should not merely determine whether activities can resume, but whether offshore gold exploration and any eventual seabed mining activities are compatible with Ghana’s fisheries, blue economy aspirations, food security objectives, and the interests of coastal communities.”
It noted that the ocean provided food, employment, cultural identity and economic survival for millions of Ghanaians and that decisions affecting marine ecosystems required the highest standards of transparency, legality, scientific scrutiny and public participation.
The statement expressed concern that the licences reportedly covered approximately 10,000 square kilometres of Ghana’s continental shelf, including waters that support critical fisheries resources and coastal livelihoods.
“The Fisheries Commission has also expressed concerns about the implications of these licences for the marine environment, fishing activities and dependent communities,” it stated.
According to the group, those concerns underscored the need for a precautionary approach that prioritised the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries over the uncertain and potentially irreversible impacts associated with offshore mineral development.
The statement, therefore, called on the Government to maintain the suspension of activities pending the complete revocation of all offshore reconnaissance licences.
It also urged the publication of all relevant licence instruments, coordinates, maps, work programmes and approvals associated with the 10 offshore reconnaissance licences to ensure transparency and public accountability.
“We respectfully urge government to place the national interest, environmental stewardship and the welfare of coastal communities at the centre of its final decision by completely revoking all offshore gold reconnaissance licences and preventing potentially irreversible impacts on Ghana’s marine environment.
“The future of Ghana’s oceans must be guided by the principles of sustainability, transparency and stewardship. Any potential benefits associated with offshore mineral development must, therefore, be carefully weighed against the risks posed to fisheries resources, marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of the millions of Ghanaians who depend on them,” the statement noted.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Bertha Badu-Agyei/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
14 October 2026
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson
Email address: [email protected]