A coalition of 51 civil society organisations in Ghana has raised concerns over plans for offshore gold exploration, citing potential environmental, fisheries, and socio-economic impacts. The organisations, led by the Executive Director of HELP Foundation Africa, Kwadwo Kyei Yamoah, have called for rigorous assessments before any major offshore gold activity proceeds. They argue that Ghana's marine resources are already under pressure from human activities and environmental degradation.
The civil society organisations caution that commercial extraction or intrusive seabed activities could have devastating effects on Ghana's marine ecosystem and fishing communities. They are demanding credible safeguards to protect the environment, fisheries, socio-economic conditions, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. This position is not new, as another group of civil society organisations had previously raised concerns about the proposed offshore mineral activity, calling for greater transparency and scrutiny.
Maritime expert Dr. Samuel Dotse has added a legal and ocean-governance perspective to the controversy, arguing that the proposed offshore gold activity raises questions about the adequacy of the regulatory framework for major extractive activities in the marine environment. While acknowledging Ghana's sovereign right to explore and exploit offshore mineral resources, Dr. Dotse stresses that this right must be exercised alongside obligations to protect fisheries, marine biodiversity, and the marine environment.
Dr. Dotse points out that offshore activities require specific information on seabed characteristics, oceanography, water quality, fish resources, benthic habitats, spawning and nursery grounds, pollution risks, and fishing-dependent livelihoods. He also references Section 50 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, which provides for Fisheries Commission involvement and fisheries impact assessments where non-fishing activities may substantially affect fisheries or aquatic resources.
To address these concerns, Dr. Dotse proposes an Inter-Agency Marine Environmental Assessment and Ocean Governance Mechanism involving relevant regulatory institutions. This mechanism would coordinate marine baseline studies, cumulative-impact assessments, stakeholder consultation, monitoring, and mitigation. Dr. Dotse emphasises that Ghana has the sovereign right to explore its offshore mineral resources, but this right must be exercised in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The concerns raised by civil society organisations and Dr. Dotse highlight the need for careful consideration and scrutiny of the proposed offshore gold exploration in Ghana. The government's decision on this matter will have significant implications for the country's marine environment, fisheries, and coastal communities. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these concerns and ensure that any offshore gold exploration is carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Key stakeholders, including the government, civil society organisations, and maritime experts, must work together to ensure that Ghana's marine resources are protected and that any extractive activities are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner. This will require a coordinated effort to establish credible safeguards, conduct thorough assessments, and engage in meaningful stakeholder consultation.
Key points
- The proposed offshore gold exploration in Ghana has raised concerns over environmental, fisheries, and governance implications.
- Civil society organisations and maritime experts are calling for greater scrutiny and responsible practices to protect Ghana's marine environment and fishing communities.
- The government's decision on offshore gold exploration will have significant implications for Ghana's marine resources and coastal communities.
