The National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG) has called for the complete cancellation of an offshore reconnaissance licence issued to Gold Coast GRC Ghana Ltd for gold exploration on Ghana’s shallow continental shelf.
The association says suspending the licence would not be enough to resolve concerns about possible damage to fisheries resources and the communities that depend on them.
Speaking at a press conference, NAFAG president Nana Jojo Solomon said President John Mahama had responded to the association’s request for a suspension, but argued that only full cancellation would end the dispute in the fisheries sector.
He said the decision was needed to protect resources that support food security, livelihoods and Ghana’s national economy.
“Your Excellency your prompt response to our request for the suspension for the said licence was warmly received and appreciated by both leadership and the entire members of our member associations,” NAFAG said.
“More warming and appreciative were your kind words of appreciation of concerns raised by the National Fisheries Association of Ghana and its constituent associations particularly regarding the protection of marine resources and the livelihood of the fishing communities.
“At this juncture NAFAG, its member associations and the entire membership request the total cancellation or termination of the offshore reconnaissance licence to Gold Coast GRC.”
NAFAG said it would not set an ultimatum for the President, but remained confident that he would use his discretion and take what it described as the appropriate decision.
“If government still goes ahead to do it then at least the fishing industry in Ghana knows that there’s no rule of law and therefore we also do what to bring body and soul together that one believe me and we have a lot of options but we don’t believe we are going to get there. We know the president will do due diligence,” the association stated.
The group also questioned the involvement of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Minerals Commission in awarding the licence.
NAFAG said both institutions had a responsibility to explain why the permit had been granted and why stakeholder engagement had been organised around what it considers an illegal activity.
“Of course they are the regulatory bodies and already our fish in the ocean is detected with heavy metals as a result of mining upstream so if they are bringing mining in the ocean or in the sea it won’t work,” the association said.
“For the CEO of minerals commission to issue a reconnaissance licence he must come and explain to the good people of Ghana. For EPA to also issue a stakeholder engagement on an illegality like this they should also come forward.”
The dispute highlights the challenge of balancing mineral exploration with the protection of Ghana’s marine resources, which sustain fishing communities, provide food for millions and contribute to the wider economy.
NAFAG is asking President Mahama to move beyond suspending the licence and cancel it entirely, while also seeking accountability from the bodies responsible for regulating the sector.
