The National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG) has petitioned the government to suspend an offshore reconnaissance licence granted to Gold Coast GRC Ghana Ltd. for gold exploration along Ghana's shallow continental shelf. The association, representing five major fisheries groups, expressed concerns over the potential implications of the exploration programme for fisheries resources, marine habitats, and coastal livelihoods. NAFAG President, Nana Joojo Solomon, signed the petition on October 6, 2026, and addressed it to the President.
NAFAG's concerns center on the size of the licensed area, stakeholder consultation, and the application of fisheries and environmental safeguards. The company holds 10 offshore reconnaissance licences covering about 10,000 square kilometres along approximately 300 kilometres of coastline between Half Assini and Winneba, extending about 33 kilometres offshore. The association is worried that parts of the licensed area may fall within the Inshore Exclusion Zone (IEZ), which extends up to 12 nautical miles, or about 22 kilometres, from the coastline.
The association has called for the publication of the official cadastral coordinates and licence instruments to establish the precise extent of any overlap. NAFAG also raised concerns about the proximity of the licensed area to Greater Cape Three Points, where Ghana launched its first Marine Protected Area at Busua on April 14, 2026. This move was part of efforts to strengthen marine conservation in the country.
NAFAG's concerns relate to Section 50 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), which requires a person planning an activity that may substantially impact fishery or other aquatic resources to inform the Fisheries Commission before the activity begins. The Commission may subsequently require a Fisheries Impact Assessment or make recommendations to prevent or minimise potential adverse impacts.
The association questioned whether the applicable fisheries assessment process had been completed in relation to the project and called for clarification from the relevant authorities. NAFAG also expressed concerns about the consultation process, stating that although a stakeholder meeting was held at the Accra City Hotel on July 9, 2026, it had not received the report of the meeting.
NAFAG has urged the government to establish the precise location and conditions of the licences, clarify the applicable fisheries and environmental safeguards, and ensure meaningful consultation with affected stakeholders before the programme advances. The association argued that Ghana's marine resources must be managed in a manner that protects fisheries, food security, and coastal livelihoods while allowing responsible investment in the country's natural resources.
The association's appeal comes as the government faces pressure to balance economic development with environmental and social concerns. The suspension of the licence would allow for further consultations and assessments to be conducted, ensuring that the exploration programme does not harm the country's marine resources or coastal communities.
Key points
- The National Fisheries Association of Ghana has appealed to the government to suspend an offshore reconnaissance licence granted to Gold Coast GRC Ghana Ltd. for gold exploration.
- The association expressed concerns over the potential implications of the exploration programme for fisheries resources, marine habitats, and coastal livelihoods.
- NAFAG has called for clarification on the applicable fisheries and environmental safeguards and meaningful consultation with affected stakeholders before the programme advances.
