Sea
The Minerals Commission has clarified that the offshore reconnaissance licences granted to Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited have not been cancelled or revoked, despite a directive suspending activities under the licences pending stakeholder consultations.
The Commission said the suspension was ordered following concerns raised by civil society organisations and other stakeholders about the potential environmental and ecological impacts of the proposed offshore activities, as well as the adequacy of consultations with affected groups.
The licences were granted to Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited on February 9, 2026, to undertake reconnaissance activities within Ghana’s territorial waters near Atwiwa in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
The Commission said the company has been directed to suspend all activities under the licences with immediate effect while the necessary consultations and regulatory processes are completed.
It stressed 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 Commission said.
According to the Commission, the directive applies solely to operational activities and is intended to allow regulatory, environmental, ecological and social concerns to be fully considered before activities resume.
Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited has also been directed to cooperate with the Commission, relevant state institutions and affected stakeholders throughout the consultation process.
