The Minerals Commission has ordered the immediate suspension of all activities by GoldCoast GRC Ghana Limited under its reconnaissance licences in Ghana’s territorial waters, following mounting concerns over potential environmental and ecological impacts and questions about the adequacy of stakeholder consultations.
NR NEWS cited the directive, issued by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and communicated in a letter dated October 5, 2026, and signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh.
The Commission said representations had been received from key stakeholders raising objections to both the grant of the mineral rights and activities proposed under the licences.
The concerns relate principally to the possible environmental and ecological effects of the proposed operations and whether persons and groups likely to be affected had been adequately consulted.
The suspension will remain in force until the Commission completes the necessary consultations and written ministerial authorisation is issued for activities to resume.
GoldCoast GRC has also been directed to cooperate fully with the Minerals Commission, relevant state institutions and affected stakeholders during the period of the suspension.
Licence not cancelled
The Minerals Commission emphasd that the directive does not amount to a cancellation or revocation of the reconnaissance licences.
Rather, it is a temporary halt to operational activities to allow outstanding regulatory, environmental, ecological and social concerns to be properly examined and addressed through stakeholder engagement.
The Commission had earlier informed the company that although the reconnaissance licences had been granted, it was required to obtain all necessary authorisations, permits and approvals from the relevant state institutions before commencing exploration-related activities.
The licences were granted to GoldCoast GRC on February 9, 2026, covering areas within Ghana’s territorial waters.
Civil society, fisheries stakeholders raise alarm
The suspension follows growing pressure from civil society organisations, fisheries groups and other stakeholders who have questioned the environmental and governance implications of the proposed offshore gold exploration.
The groups have called for greater transparency over the licensed areas and a comprehensive assessment of the possible implications for fisheries, marine biodiversity, food security and coastal livelihoods.
The National Fisheries Association of Ghana had also called for the suspension of the offshore reconnaissance licence, arguing that the proposed activities could affect fisheries resources, marine habitats and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
It has called for further consultations with fishers and a fisheries impact assessment before the project proceeds.
Fisheries Commission joins concerns
The concerns have also been echoed by the Fisheries Commission, which protested the grant of the offshore reconnaissance licence.
The Commission raised questions about whether the assessment underpinning the proposed programme adequately reflected the realities of Ghana’s marine environment and fisheries.
It called for a marine-specific review, including consideration of fishing activities, coastal livelihoods, marine safety and environmental impacts, before offshore field activities commence.
The Fisheries Commission’s position has added a significant institutional dimension to the controversy, with stakeholders insisting that offshore mineral exploration cannot be assessed solely through the lens of conventional land-based mining.
A test for Ghana’s offshore mining regime
The controversy has widened into a broader debate over how Ghana should balance the search for new mineral resources with the protection of its marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of communities that depend on the sea.
The Minerals Commission has acknowledged the need to address the concerns raised through further consultations before activities can proceed.
The latest suspension gives government and the relevant regulatory institutions an opportunity to undertake the wider consultations demanded by stakeholders before any further operational activities are authorised.
GRC – SUSPENSION OF ACTIVITIES UNDER RECONNAISSANCE LICENCES
By: Christian Kpesese/NR NEWS
