A coalition of 7 civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to review 10 offshore gold reconnaissance licences held by Gold Coast Resource Corp. The licences cover approximately 10,000 square kilometres along 300 kilometres of Ghana's coastline, from Half Assini to Winneba, extending about 33 kilometres offshore. The CSOs, including the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and Oxfam, expressed concerns over the potential impact on Ghana's fisheries, marine environment, and coastal livelihoods.
The CSOs said the company's published map appeared to show that substantial portions of the licensed area fell within Ghana's Inshore Exclusion Zone (IEZ). However, the precise overlap could only be established after the government publishes the official cadastral coordinates and licence instruments. The organisations stressed that they are not opposed to responsible investment or lawful exploitation of Ghana's natural resources but want to ensure that the legal, environmental, and social implications are established before the project moves to more intrusive stages.
According to the CSOs, company disclosures indicate that about 50,000 line-kilometres of airborne magnetic data have been collected across the licensed area, while detailed work has focused on a 500-square-kilometre priority area around the mouth of the Ankobra River. The organisations raised concerns about the company's forward programme, which includes marine bathymetric and seismic surveys, followed by vibro-core drilling and bulk seabed sampling. They argued that these activities may contravene the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended.
The CSOs cited Section 32(3) of Act 703, which prohibits reconnaissance licence holders from drilling or excavating. They questioned whether vibro-coring, bulk seabed sampling, and dredging could be treated as reconnaissance activities. The organisations also cited Section 99(6) of Act 703, which makes it an offence to use a floating platform or equipment for mining or dredging in Ghana's natural water bodies. They urged the government to clarify how the proposed activities could lawfully proceed.
The coalition highlighted the importance of Ghana's marine fisheries, citing the Marine Fisheries Management Plan 2022–2026, which estimates that the fisheries subsector provides employment for about 10 per cent of Ghana's population, or more than three million people. The CSOs also cited the Fisheries Commission's 2025 Annual Performance Report, which recorded 282,658.29 metric tonnes of artisanal fish landings. They warned that seismic surveys, increased vessel traffic, seabed disturbance, and sediment plumes could potentially affect spawning and nursery grounds, benthic habitats, and marine mammals.
The CSOs presented five demands to the government, including publishing the coordinates, licence instruments, conditions, and approved work programmes for all 10 licences. They also want an independent spatial assessment of the relationship between the licences and sensitive marine habitats, as well as clarification on the legal and environmental approvals required for subsequent phases. Furthermore, they demand comprehensive environmental, fisheries, socio-economic, and human-rights assessments before any intrusive seabed activity is authorised.
The coalition wants the government to determine transparently whether the licences should remain unchanged, be modified to exclude sensitive areas, or be cancelled where legally justified. The CSOs emphasised that extractive activities in Ghana's shallow coastal waters should be subjected to transparent scientific and legal scrutiny before they proceed. The organisations believe that this review is crucial to ensuring the sustainable management of Ghana's natural resources and protecting the livelihoods of communities dependent on the marine ecosystem.
Key points
- The coalition of CSOs wants the government to review 10 offshore gold licences held by Gold Coast Resource Corp., citing concerns over Ghana's fisheries, marine environment, and coastal livelihoods.
- The CSOs argue that the proposed activities may contravene the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended, and urge the government to clarify how the activities could lawfully proceed.
- The coalition presented five demands to the government, including publishing licence details, conducting independent assessments, and ensuring comprehensive evaluations before any intrusive seabed activity is authorised.
