GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS GOLDCOAST GRC GHANA LIMITED’S OFFSHORE RECONNAISSANCE LICENCES OVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
The Minerals Commission has suspended all activities of Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited under its reconnaissance licences in Ghana’s territorial waters, pending extensive stakeholder engagement.
The directive follows an instruction from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for the immediate suspension of the company’s operations, after concerns and objections were raised by civil society organisations and other key stakeholders.
According to the Ministry, the stakeholders raised serious concerns over the potential environmental and ecological impact of the proposed reconnaissance activities, as well as the adequacy of consultations with affected communities, groups, and persons.
The licences in question were granted to Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited on February 9, 2026, to undertake reconnaissance activities aimed at gathering verifiable data on mineral resources within Ghana’s territorial waters. The licensed area is located near Atwiwa in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
Legal Backing for the Licences
The Ministry explained that the granting of the licences was done strictly within the legal framework governing Ghana’s mineral resources.
It cited Article 257(6) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 1 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which vest all mineral resources in their natural state in the President, in trust for the people of Ghana.
Furthermore, Section 31(1) of Act 703 empowers the sector Minister, upon the recommendation of the Minerals Commission, to grant a reconnaissance licence covering all or part of an area for which an application has been made.
It was on the basis of this legal framework that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, authorised the reconnaissance activities.
Suspension Not Cancellation
However, following representations from stakeholders, the Minister has directed that the licences be suspended to allow for broader consultations and the resolution of all outstanding concerns before any activity resumes.
The Minerals Commission has subsequently instructed Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited to suspend all activities under the licences with immediate effect.
The Commission clarified that the directive does not amount to cancellation, revocation, or termination of the licences. According to the Commission, the licences remain valid, subject to their respective terms, applicable laws, and regulatory requirements.
“The directive is limited to the suspension of operational activities until the required stakeholder consultations have been completed and the concerns raised have been adequately addressed,” the Commission stated.
During the suspension period, Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited is expected to cooperate fully with the Minerals Commission, relevant state institutions, and all affected stakeholders.
The Ministry and the Minerals Commission noted that the temporary suspension is necessary to promote responsible mineral governance and ensure that potential environmental and social implications are thoroughly assessed before any activities proceed.
They expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their vigilance in protecting Ghana’s natural resources and reaffirmed their commitment to meaningful consultation, environmental protection, and transparent management of the country’s mineral resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
