GoldCoast GRC offshore activities suspended over stakeholder concerns

The Minerals Commission has directed the immediate suspension of all activities being undertaken by GoldCoast GRC Ghana Limited under its reconnaissance licences within Ghana’s territorial waters.

The directive follows concerns and objections raised by key stakeholders over the grant of the mineral rights and the activities proposed by the company under the licences.

The Minerals Commission, in a letter dated October 5, 2026, said the concerns relate primarily to the potential environmental and ecological impacts of the proposed activities, as well as the adequacy of consultations with persons and groups who may be affected by the company’s operations.

The reconnaissance licences were granted to GoldCoast GRC Ghana Limited on February 9, 2026, for activities within Ghana’s territorial waters.

However, the Commission said its earlier communication, dated February 4, 2026, which communicated its recommendation for the grant of the licences following ministerial approval, had made it clear that the company was required to obtain all necessary authorisations and permits from the relevant State institutions before commencing any exploration activities.

The Commission said representations had since been received from key stakeholders raising concerns and objections regarding both 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 activities and the adequacy of consultations with persons and groups who may be affected by the Company’s operations,” the Commission said.

According to the Commission, unless the concerns are adequately addressed, the proposed operations could face regulatory challenges and may not secure the necessary social licence to operate.

It said it was therefore necessary to pause all activities to allow the relevant regulatory, environmental, ecological and social issues to be fully considered and addressed through appropriate stakeholder engagement.

Minister directs suspension
The Minerals Commission said the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources had consequently directed the immediate suspension of all activities under the licences.

The suspension will remain in force until the Commission completes the necessary consultations and issues written ministerial authorisation for activities to resume.

“Accordingly, you are hereby informed that the Hon. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has directed the immediate suspension of all activities under the licences until the Commission has completed the necessary consultations and issued written ministerial authorisation for activities to resume,” the letter stated.

During the suspension period, GoldCoast GRC Ghana Limited is required to cooperate fully with the Minerals Commission, relevant State institutions and all affected stakeholders.

Stakeholder engagement
The Commission’s position places stakeholder consultation at the centre of the process before the company can resume activities under the reconnaissance licences.

The concerns raised by stakeholders, according to the Commission, involve the possible environmental and ecological effects of the proposed operations, as well as whether sufficient consultations have been undertaken with individuals and groups who could be affected.

The Commission said these matters must be properly considered and addressed before the company is allowed to resume activities.

The directive was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Minister and Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Chief Director of the Ministry, the Advisor to the Minister, the Technical Director, Minerals, the Chair of the Governing Board of the Minerals Commission, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority, the Executive Secretary of the Water Resources Commission, the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority and the Executive Secretary of the Fisheries Commission.

Other recipients included relevant directors and officials of the Minerals Commission, including the Acting Chief Inspector of Mines, the Director of Legal, the Director of Mineral Titles and the Regional Head of the Commission in Takoradi.

The Minerals Commission said it expected GoldCoast GRC Ghana Limited to give the matter its full cooperation and prompt attention.

The suspension means the company will have to await the completion of the regulatory and stakeholder consultation process, as well as written ministerial authorisation, before activities covered by the licences can resume.