The Minerals Commission has directed Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited to suspend all activities under its offshore reconnaissance licences with immediate effect, pending extensive engagement with stakeholders.
The directive follows representations received by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Commission from key stakeholders, including civil society organisations and other concerned parties, raising objections to the grant of the mineral rights and the activities proposed under the licences.
According to a statement published on the Commission’s Facebook page, the concerns relate primarily to the potential environmental and ecological impacts of the proposed operations and the adequacy of consultations with persons and groups likely to be affected.
The licences were granted to Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited on February 9, 2026, and cover an area within Ghana’s territorial waters near Atwiwa, in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region. They were authorised by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to allow reconnaissance activities within Ghana’s territorial waters to explore and provide verifiable resource estimation data within those jurisdictions. The grant was made pending the company’s fulfilment of all other mandatory and statutory approvals before commencing any exploration activities.
The Commission explained that Article 257(6) of the 1992 Constitution, reiterated in section 1 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), vests all minerals in their natural state, under or upon any land in Ghana, rivers, streams, water courses throughout Ghana, the exclusive economic zone and any area covered by the territorial sea or continental shelf, in the President, in trust for the people of Ghana. Article 269 provides constitutional safeguards over mineral rights and agreements.
It noted that upon the recommendation of the Commission, the sector Minister may grant a reconnaissance licence in respect of all or part of the area applied for, as stipulated in section 31(1) of the Act.
The Commission categorically clarified that the ministerial directive is not a cancellation, revocation or termination of the licences. It said the licences remain in force, subject to their terms and applicable laws and regulatory requirements, and that the directive relates solely to the suspension of operational activities pending the completion of all stakeholder engagements required by the applicable legislation.
During the suspension period, Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited is required to cooperate fully with the Commission, the relevant state institutions and all affected stakeholders. The Commission said the temporary halt was necessary so that regulatory, environmental, ecological and social issues could be fully considered and addressed before any operations proceed.
The Commission also noted that Ghana’s mineral-rich landscape still holds enormous untapped potential, with an estimated more than three trillion ounces of gold yet to be discovered, making responsible, transparent and inclusive mineral governance all the more important.
It expressed appreciation for the continued vigilance of stakeholders in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources for present and future generations, and reaffirmed the commitment of the Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to meaningful consultation that ultimately aids responsible mineral governance and environmental protection.
