Friends of the Nation (FoN), a Ghanaian non-government organisation, has declared zero tolerance for mining activities in the ocean. This move is part of FoN's efforts to ensure justice in fisheries governance. The declaration comes in response to the Ghanaian government's proposed offshore gold reconnaissance deal. The deal grants Gold Coast Resources Ghana Limited licences to undertake gold mining in Ghana's marine waters.
The proposed mining area spans from Half-Assini in Jomoro to Winneba in the Effutu Municipality, covering the Western and Central Regions. According to FoN, gold mining in the high seas would disrupt the activities of artisanal fishers, bringing fishing expeditions to a standstill. The NGO organised a workshop for stakeholders in the fishing industry at Dixcove in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
The workshop, titled "Protecting Our Zone, Securing Our Future," aimed to sensitise artisanal fishers to mobilise against gold mining activities in the sea. Chief fishermen and women from Lower and Upper Dixcove, canoe owners, fish mongers, fishers, the Fisheries Commission, FoN, and the media attended the event. A video footage presented during the workshop showed that the gold reconnaissance deal was granted by the Minerals Commission on February 9, 2026.
The permits cover approximately 10,000 square kilometres across about 300 kilometres of Ghana's coastline, stretching from Half-Assini to Winneba, and reaching 33 kilometres offshore into the shallow continental shelf. FoN's Executive Director, Mevuta Donkris, stated that the Minerals and Mining Act 2019 (Act 995) as amended, criminalises illegal mining methods or the use of floating platforms and excavators in or along natural water bodies without proper authorisation.
Frank Eshun, an employee of the Fisheries Commission, speaking on behalf of the Regional Director, mentioned that the Commission had stated its position on the proposed offshore gold reconnaissance deal. The Commission petitioned the Minerals Commission to revisit the issue, considering the possible ramifications of the mining activities. Eshun noted that mining in the sea would aggravate the plight of fishers who already face various challenges.
Kenneth Arthur, Secretary-General of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFOAG), expressed concerns that the Association was not consulted before the decision was taken. He warned that any attempt to do gold mining in the sea would jeopardise the economic life of fishers and the fishing communities along that stretch, affecting their per capita income.
The stakeholders' concerns highlight the potential impact of ocean mining on Ghana's fishing industry and coastal communities. FoN's declaration of zero tolerance for ocean mining underscores the need for sustainable and responsible management of Ghana's marine resources. The issue remains a pressing concern for the government, fishing industry stakeholders, and environmental organisations.
Key points
- Friends of the Nation declares zero tolerance for mining in the ocean.
- Proposed offshore gold reconnaissance deal sparks concerns among artisanal fishers.
- Stakeholders call for sustainable management of Ghana's marine resources.
