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Minerals Commission Suspends Goldcoast Limited’s Offshore Reconnaissance Licences Pending Extensive Stakeholder Engagement
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has directed the immediate suspension of all activities by Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited under its reconnaissance licences in Ghana’s territorial waters.
The decision follows concerns and objections raised by civil society organisations and other stakeholders over the potential environmental and ecological impact of the proposed activities, as well as concerns about the adequacy of consultations with communities, groups and persons who may be affected.
The licences 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.
The Ministry explained that the granting of the licences was done within the legal framework governing Ghana’s mineral resources.
Article 257(6) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 1 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), vest mineral resources in their natural state in the President, in trust for the people of Ghana.
Under Section 31(1) of Act 703, the sector Minister, upon the recommendation of the Minerals Commission, may 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, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, authorised reconnaissance activities within Ghana’s territorial waters.
However, following representations from key stakeholders, the Minister has directed that the licences be suspended to allow for broader consultations and the resolution of outstanding concerns before activities resume.
The Minerals Commission has subsequently instructed Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited to suspend all activities under the licences with immediate effect.
The Commission said the suspension is intended to provide an opportunity for extensive engagement with stakeholders and to ensure that environmental, ecological, social and regulatory concerns are properly considered.
The Minerals Commission has, however, clarified that the directive does not amount to the 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.
It explained that 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.
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 said 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 also 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.
