Twenty-four civil society organisations and fisheries stakeholder groups have called on President John Dramani Mahama to revoke all offshore gold reconnaissance licences in Ghana’s waters, despite welcoming the government’s suspension of activities under the licences.
In an open letter dated October 13, 2026, the groups commended the government for directing the immediate suspension of activities under the licences held by GoldCoast GRC Ghana Limited along Ghana’s western continental shelf.
The organisations said the suspension was a responsible precautionary measure but argued that it should lead to the complete revocation of the licences rather than merely pave the way for activities to resume.
The letter follows an earlier appeal dated September 28, 2026, in which the groups raised concerns about the potential implications of offshore gold reconnaissance and eventual seabed mining for fisheries, marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.
The groups cited a Minerals Commission letter dated October 5, 2026, issued pursuant to a directive from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, requiring all activities under the licences to stop until consultations were completed and written ministerial authorisation was granted for work to resume.
They said the commission had also acknowledged concerns about potential environmental and ecological impacts, as well as the inadequacy of consultations with affected individuals and groups.
According to the organisations, the licences reportedly cover approximately 10,000 square kilometres of Ghana’s continental shelf, including waters that support important fisheries resources and coastal livelihoods.
They warned that offshore mineral development could pose risks to marine biodiversity, food security, artisanal fishing communities and Ghana’s blue economy ambitions.
The groups stressed that the ocean provides food, employment, cultural identity and economic survival for millions of Ghanaians, arguing that decisions affecting marine ecosystems must be guided by transparency, scientific scrutiny, legality and meaningful public participation.
They also cited concerns expressed by the Fisheries Commission about the implications of the licences for the marine environment, fishing activities and communities dependent on the sector.
The organisations further raised concerns about the overlap between portions of the licensed areas and shallow coastal waters that support artisanal fisheries and other ecological and livelihood activities.
The signatories called for a comprehensive legal review of the licences and proposed activities before any decision is taken on whether the programme should proceed to more intrusive stages, including vibro-coring, bulk sampling, dredging or eventual mineral extraction.
They referred to Section 32(3) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended, which they said prohibits holders of reconnaissance licences from engaging in drilling or excavation.
They also cited Section 99(6) of the Act, arguing that it raises questions about the use of floating platforms or other equipment for mining or dredging to obtain minerals in Ghana’s territorial sea, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
The groups urged the government to ensure that the review complies with the Minerals and Mining Act, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), the Constitution and other relevant environmental and regulatory requirements.
They also called for the protections and management objectives under Act 1146, particularly those relating to Ghana’s expanded 12-nautical-mile Inshore Exclusion Zone, to be fully considered.
The legal concerns were presented by the organisations as issues requiring authoritative consideration as part of the review.
The groups outlined three main requests to President Mahama and the government.
First, they want the suspension maintained while the process towards revocation continues.
They also called for the publication of relevant licence instruments, coordinates, maps, work programmes and approvals relating to the ten offshore reconnaissance licences.
Second, they want a comprehensive legal, environmental, fisheries and socio-economic assessment of the licences and proposed activities. They called for meaningful engagement and free, prior and informed consultations with affected fishing communities, fish processors, traditional authorities, state institutions, academics and civil society organisations.
Third, they are demanding the complete revocation of all offshore gold reconnaissance licences, citing the potential risks to fisheries, marine biodiversity, coastal livelihoods, food security and the country’s blue economy objectives.
The organisations maintained that the suspension had created an opportunity for the government to address the concerns before the programme advanced to more intrusive stages.
In their appeal, the groups urged the President to ensure that the ongoing review is guided by transparency, legality, sound science and meaningful public participation.
They argued that the outcome should be measured not simply by whether consultations take place, but by whether the government takes action to protect marine resources and the millions of people whose livelihoods and food security depend on healthy oceans.
The letter said the decision on the licences went beyond mineral development and raised broader questions about how Ghana’s marine resources would be managed for present and future generations.
The signatories urged the government to place the national interest, environmental stewardship and the welfare of coastal communities at the centre of its final decision.
The letter was signed by 24 organisations, including the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG), Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Centre for Maritime Law and Security Africa (CEMLAWS Africa), Global Fisheries and Resilience Action (GFRA), Hen Mpoano, Oceana, Friends of the Nation, Development Action Association, CEWEFIA, CERATH Development Organisation and A Rocha Ghana.
Other signatories include Oxfam, the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, Blue Ventures, the Centre for Social Impact Studies, the National Fish Processors and Traders Association, The Green Teller, Social and Scientific Research for Development, CAOPA-Ghana, the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana, Third World Network, the National Coalition on Mining, Advocates for Community Alternatives and Coalition Against Galamsey Ghana.
