File photo of Mineral Commission's logo
The Minerals Commission has ordered Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited to halt all activities under its offshore reconnaissance licences following concerns about potential environmental damage and inadequate consultation with affected groups.
In a Facebook post sighted by GhanaWeb Business, the Commission said the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in place until the necessary stakeholder engagements have been completed and outstanding concerns addressed.
The licences cover an area in Ghana’s territorial waters near Atwiwa in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
According to the Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the regulator received objections from civil society organisations and other stakeholders regarding the licences and the company’s proposed activities.
The concerns centred on potential harm to the environment and marine ecosystems, as well as whether people and groups likely to be affected had been adequately consulted.
“These 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,” it stated.
EXPLAINER: Inflation is lower, so why are prices still high?
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, subsequently directed that the activities be suspended to allow for wider engagement.
However, the Commission clarified that the directive does not cancel or revoke the licences. The licences remain valid, subject to their conditions and applicable laws, while operational activities are temporarily halted.
The company received the licences on February 9, 2026, to carry out preliminary investigations aimed at obtaining reliable information on the mineral resources in the area. It was required to obtain all other mandatory approvals before commencing exploration activities.
Ghana faces $6.4 billion Eurobond bill after debt restructuring - World Bank
During the suspension, Goldcoast must cooperate with the Commission, relevant state institutions and affected stakeholders to address regulatory, environmental and social concerns.
The Commission said the suspension would allow the issues to be fully considered before operations resume. It also reaffirmed its commitment to public consultation and the protection of Ghana’s natural resources.
Ibrahim Mahama Credits Akufo-Addo, Alan Kyerematen for Supporting Dzata Cement
Inside Ghana’s Abandoned Engineering Powerhouse: What Went Wrong?
Copyright © 1994 - 2026 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
