The Fisheries Commission of Ghana has formally protested against the grant of an offshore reconnaissance licence to Gold Coast GRC Ghana Ltd for gold exploration on the country's shallow continental shelf. In a letter dated September 29, 2026, the Commission's Executive Director, Prof. Benjamin Betey Campion, expressed concerns about the potential impact on fisheries resources, fishing activities, and the livelihoods of fishing communities. The licence was granted without adequate consideration for the marine environment and fisheries.
The Commission received a communication on July 15, 2026, notifying it of the grant, which was only received on September 7, 2026. After reviewing the documentation, the Commission identified 10 specific flaws in the licence, including the lack of involvement of the Fisheries Commission in assessment, planning, and permitting. The Commission also noted that the licence provisions were prepared from a terrestrial mining perspective, with no consideration for offshore realities.
The Commission listed several concerns, including the lack of assessment of customary marine rights, irrelevant sacred areas, and a terrestrial baseline for environmental description. The Commission also noted that the proposed budget made no provision for statutory involvement of the Fisheries Commission, a Fisheries Impact Assessment, or engagement with fishing communities. Furthermore, the environmental impact and risk assessment were land-based and did not address vessel operations, marine pollution, and other offshore risks.
The Fisheries Commission situates its concerns within Ghana's growing commitment to responsible ocean governance. Ghana ratified the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) on January 14, 2026, which entered into force on January 17, 2026. The Commission argues that ratification demonstrates Ghana's commitment to stronger, science-based, and precautionary marine governance.
The Commission is requesting the Minerals Commission to take several actions, including formally registering its objection, suspending or refraining from authorising any offshore field reconnaissance, and requiring a marine-specific environmental and fisheries baseline assessment. The Commission also demands a Fisheries Impact Assessment, formal consultation with fishing communities, and a Marine Fisheries and Livelihood Management Plan.
The Fisheries Commission emphasised that it is not opposed to responsible investment or scientific investigation of Ghana's natural resources. However, such activities must recognise the importance of fisheries to food security, employment, coastal livelihoods, and the national blue economy. The Commission stressed that an offshore reconnaissance programme of this magnitude requires regulatory and scientific processes that are fit for purpose, marine-specific, evidence-based, precautionary, and consistent with Ghana's obligations.
The letter was copied to several stakeholders, including the Chairperson of Parliament's Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the Ghana Maritime Authority. The Commission's concerns highlight the need for careful consideration of the potential impacts of offshore activities on Ghana's marine environment and fisheries resources.
Key points
- The Fisheries Commission of Ghana has objected to the grant of an offshore gold exploration licence due to concerns over the impact on fisheries resources and the marine environment.
- The Commission identified 10 specific flaws in the licence, including lack of involvement in assessment and planning, and a terrestrial baseline for environmental description.
- The Commission is requesting the Minerals Commission to take several actions, including formally registering its objection and requiring a marine-specific environmental and fisheries baseline assessment.
