The National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG) has urged the government to suspend an offshore gold reconnaissance licence granted to Gold Coast GRC Ghana Limited. In a letter to President John Dramani Mahama, NAFAG cited concerns over the potential impact on Ghana's fisheries resources and livelihoods. The licence covers approximately 10,000 square kilometres, extending 300 kilometres along Ghana's coastline.
NAFAG said it opposed the grant of the licence until further consultations were held with fishers and a Fisheries Impact Assessment was conducted. The association represents five fisheries sub-sector associations, including the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association and Ghana Tuna Association. It expressed concerns over the lack of high-level consultation with fishers before the licence was granted.
The licence area is particularly concerning, given Ghana's recent conservation efforts for small-scale fisheries and the launch of its first Marine Protected Areas. NAFAG warned that the offshore reconnaissance operation could negatively affect efforts to halt the decline of fish stocks. The association cited Section 50(1) of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2005, which requires a person planning an activity likely to have a substantial impact on fishery or aquatic resources to inform the Fisheries Commission.
NAFAG alleged that Gold Coast GRC Ghana Limited had not informed the Fisheries Commission as required. The association cited experiences from other jurisdictions, including the Solwara Project in Papua New Guinea, where preliminary testing and exploration activities resulted in significant declines in tuna, shark and artisanal fish catches. Similar concerns have been raised in South Africa and New Zealand.
The association expressed concern that if gold was discovered in commercial quantities and the company proceeded to actual exploitation, the potential negative impacts could be greater. Seabed dredging and suction operations could degrade nursery grounds for species and smother shellfish beds with settled silt. This could alter benthic ecology and make it difficult for target fish stocks to recover.
NAFAG called on the government to suspend the offshore gold reconnaissance licence to prevent marine habitat destruction. The association urged the president and relevant duty bearers to intervene, citing the potential negative effects on millions of people who depend on the sector for food security, employment and livelihoods.
The letter was signed by Nana Jojo Solomon, President of NAFAG, and endorsed by the presidents of various fisheries associations. NAFAG looks forward to a positive response from the government. The association's concerns highlight the need for careful consideration of the potential impacts of offshore gold exploration on Ghana's fisheries resources and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
Key points
- NAFAG calls for suspension of offshore gold reconnaissance licence over concerns
- Licence granted to Gold Coast GRC Ghana Limited covers 10,000 square kilometres
- Association cites potential negative impacts on fisheries resources and livelihoods
