Accra, Ghana: The Minerals Commission has directed Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited to immediately suspend all activities under its offshore reconnaissance licences pending extensive stakeholder consultations over concerns surrounding the proposed operations.
The decision follows representations received by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission from civil society organisations and other stakeholders regarding the grant of the mineral rights and the potential environmental, ecological and social impacts of the proposed activities.
The concerns also include questions about the adequacy of consultations with individuals, communities and groups that may be affected by the operations.
The reconnaissance licences were granted to Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited on February 9, 2026, following a recommendation by the Minerals Commission and authorisation by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
The licences cover an area within Ghana’s territorial waters near Atwiwa in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
According to the Minerals Commission, the licences were issued to allow reconnaissance activities aimed at exploring and generating verifiable resource estimation data within Ghana’s territorial waters.
However, the Commission said the company was required to fulfil other mandatory statutory and regulatory requirements before commencing exploration activities.
Suspension not cancellation
The Minerals Commission has stressed that the directive does not amount to the cancellation, revocation or termination of the licences.
The licences therefore remain in force, subject to their terms and all applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
The suspension applies specifically to operational activities while consultations and other outstanding regulatory matters are addressed.
Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited has consequently been directed to cooperate fully with the Minerals Commission, relevant state institutions and affected stakeholders during the suspension period.
Constitutional protection of Ghana’s minerals
The Minerals Commission said the decision falls within Ghana’s broader legal framework governing the ownership and management of the country’s mineral resources.
Article 257(6) of the 1992 Constitution provides that minerals in their natural state in or upon land, rivers, streams, watercourses, Ghana’s exclusive economic zone and areas covered by the territorial sea or continental shelf are vested in the President on behalf of the people of Ghana.
This principle is also reflected in Section 1 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
Article 269 of the Constitution further provides constitutional safeguards relating to mineral rights and agreements.
Under Section 31(1) of Act 703, the Minister responsible for minerals may, on the recommendation of the Minerals Commission, grant a reconnaissance licence covering all or part of an area applied for.
The Ministry said the licence granted to Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited was therefore issued within the existing legal framework.
Environmental and stakeholder concerns
The latest directive is intended to provide additional time for the concerns raised by stakeholders to be examined and addressed before any operational activities proceed.
The Minerals Commission said regulatory, environmental, ecological and social considerations must be fully assessed as part of the process.
It said the temporary suspension is necessary to ensure that the required consultations are conducted and that there is sufficient stakeholder alignment.
The Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources have reaffirmed their commitment to meaningful stakeholder engagement, responsible mineral governance and the protection of Ghana’s natural resources for present and future generations.
Ghana’s mineral resources remain a major national asset, making transparency, environmental protection and public participation important considerations in decisions concerning mineral exploration and development.