The Minerals Commission has directed Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited to suspend all activities under its offshore reconnaissance licences following concerns raised by stakeholders over the proposed operations within Ghana’s territorial waters.
The decision follows instructions from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who authorised the temporary suspension to allow for extensive stakeholder engagement and the resolution of outstanding issues relating to the licences.
According to the Commission, Ghana’s substantial mineral resource potential underscores the need for responsible, transparent and inclusive management of the sector. Under Article 257(6) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 1 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), ownership of all minerals in their natural state is vested in the President in trust for the people of Ghana.
The Commission noted that, acting within the legal framework governing mineral rights, reconnaissance licences were granted to Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited on February 9, 2026. The licences cover areas within Ghana’s territorial waters near Atwiwa in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
The approvals were issued to enable the company to undertake reconnaissance activities aimed at generating verifiable resource estimation data. However, the licences remained subject to the fulfilment of all statutory requirements and approvals before any exploration activities could commence.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission received petitions and representations from civil society organisations and other stakeholders expressing concerns over the grant of the licences. Key issues raised included the potential environmental and ecological impact of the proposed operations, as well as questions regarding the adequacy of consultations with affected communities and interest groups.
In response, the Minister directed the Commission to halt operational activities under the licences until consultations are completed and stakeholder concerns satisfactorily addressed.
The Commission stressed that the directive does not amount to a cancellation, revocation or termination of the licences. Rather, it is a temporary suspension of activities pending the conclusion of stakeholder engagement processes required under applicable laws and regulations.
“ The licences remain in force, subject to their terms and the applicable laws and regulatory requirements,” the Commission clarified.
During the suspension period, Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited is expected to cooperate with regulatory authorities, relevant state institutions and affected stakeholders as consultations proceed.
The Commission said the temporary measure will provide an opportunity for regulatory, environmental, ecological and social considerations to be thoroughly examined before any future operations are permitted.
The Ministry and the Minerals Commission further reaffirmed their commitment to responsible mineral governance, environmental protection and meaningful stakeholder engagement in the management of Ghana’s natural resources.
The suspension comes amid increasing calls for broader consultation and stronger environmental safeguards in the development of the country’s mineral resources, particularly in sensitive offshore and coastal areas.
Source: businesspostonline
