Gov’t Suspends Gold Coast GRC’S Offshore Mineral Activities Over Stakeholder Concerns.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has directed the immediate suspension of all activities being undertaken by Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited under its reconnaissance licences in Ghana’s territorial waters.
The decision follows concerns and objections raised by key stakeholders, including civil society organisations and other concerned groups, regarding the potential environmental and ecological impacts of the proposed operations as well as the adequacy of consultations with affected stakeholders.
According to the Ministry and the Minerals Commission, the suspension is intended to allow for extensive stakeholder engagement and the resolution of all outstanding issues before any operational activities are allowed to proceed.
The licences were granted to Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited on February 9, 2026, following the legal framework governing mineral exploration in Ghana.
The licences cover an area within Ghana’s territorial waters near Atwiwa in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region and were issued to enable reconnaissance activities aimed at generating verifiable data on the mineral resources within the area.
The Ministry explained that Ghana’s mineral resources are vested in the President in trust for the people of Ghana under Article 257(6) of the 1992 Constitution, with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), providing the legal framework for the management and granting of mineral rights.
It said Section 31(1) of Act 703 empowers the sector Minister, upon the recommendation of the Minerals Commission, to grant reconnaissance licences covering all or part of an area applied for.
However, following representations from stakeholders, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has instructed that activities under the licences be suspended to facilitate further consultations.
The Minerals Commission has consequently directed Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited to immediately halt all activities under the licences until the necessary consultations have been completed and all relevant stakeholders are adequately engaged.
The Commission stressed that the directive does not constitute a cancellation, revocation or termination of the licences.
It clarified that the licences remain in force, subject to their respective terms and all applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
According to the Commission, the suspension relates solely to operational activities pending the completion of stakeholder engagements and consideration of the environmental, ecological, regulatory and social concerns that have been raised.
Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited has also been directed to cooperate fully with the Minerals Commission, relevant state institutions and affected stakeholders during the period of suspension.
The Ministry and the Minerals Commission said the temporary halt is necessary to ensure that all concerns are properly examined and addressed before any operations resume.
They further reaffirmed their commitment to meaningful stakeholder consultation, responsible mineral governance and the protection of Ghana’s natural resources for present and future generations.
The development comes against the backdrop of Ghana’s significant mineral potential, making transparency, accountability, environmental protection and inclusive stakeholder participation critical to the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources.
End
