Ghana’s mineral-rich landscape still holds enormous, untapped potential, with an estimated more than three trillion ounces of gold yet to be discovered — a resource base that makes responsible, transparent and inclusive mineral governance all the more important.
Article 257(6) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, further 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, in the President, in trust for the people of Ghana, while Article 269 provides constitutional safeguards over mineral rights and agreements.
Upon recommendation by the Minerals Commission, the sector Minister may may grant a reconnaissance licence in respect of all or a part of the area applied for, as stipulated in section 31(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). It is within this legal framework that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah authorised reconnaissance activities within Ghana’s territorial waters to explore and provide verifiable resource estimation data within those jurisdictions. Consequently, reconnaissance licences were granted to Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited on 9 February 2026, pending the Company’s fulfilment of all other mandatory and statutory approvals before commencing any exploration activities. The licences, cover an area within Ghana’s territorial waters near Atwiwa, in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
However, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission have since received representations from key stakeholders, including civil society organisations and other concerned parties, raising concerns and objections regarding the grant of the mineral rights and the activities proposed under the licences. 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.
To ensure extensive engagement with all stakeholders and to resolve all outstanding matters, including stakeholder alignment, the Minister has instructed that the licences be suspended. The Minerals Commission has accordingly directed Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited to suspend all activities under the licences with immediate effect until all the necessary consultations have been duly conducted, and all stakeholders aligned.
The Minerals Commission categorically clarifies that the ministerial directive is not a cancellation, revocation or termination of the licences. The licences remain in force, subject to their terms and the applicable laws and regulatory requirements. The directive relates solely to the suspension of operational activities pending the completion of all stakeholder engagements required by the applicable legislation.
During this period, Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited is required to cooperate fully with the Commission, the relevant State institutions and all affected stakeholders. This temporary halt of the license is necessary so that regulatory, environmental, ecological and social issues can be fully considered and addressed before any operations proceed.
In appreciation of the continued vigilance of stakeholders in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources for present and future generations, the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reaffirms their commitment to meaningful consultation that ultimately aid in responsible mineral governance and environmental protection.
