Nurture Nature Foundation is calling on the government to impose an irreversible suspension of GoldCoast’s offshore gold exploration project, arguing that a temporary halt to operations offers insufficient assurance of lasting protection for Ghana’s marine environment and coastal communities.
The Foundation’s position follows clarification by the Minerals Commission that the offshore reconnaissance licences granted to Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited remain in force, despite a directive suspending operational activities pending stakeholder consultations and regulatory processes.
For the Foundation, that distinction is central to the debate. A suspension that leaves the underlying licences intact preserves the possibility of the project advancing once the relevant conditions are met.
It is therefore urging the government to pursue an irreversible suspension through lawful measures that permanently prevent the project from proceeding, rather than treating consultation as a pathway to its eventual resumption.
The Foundation maintains that the decision must give priority to fisheries, marine conservation, food security and the livelihoods of communities whose future depends on a healthy ocean.
Its Executive Director, Peter Asiedu, captures the organisation’s position:
“An ocean that feeds generations must not be put at risk for gold. Ghana’s coastal communities deserve a future secured by lasting protection, not a temporary pause.”
A lasting decision
Nurture Nature Foundation argues that stakeholder consultation is essential, but its purpose must include a meaningful opportunity to question whether the project should proceed at all.
It says the process should allow fishing communities and other affected groups to influence the fundamental decision, including the option of permanently stopping the project.
The Foundation is calling for the publication of the licence instruments, official coordinates, relevant assessments and consultation records so that the public can scrutinise the project’s scope and the basis for regulatory decisions.
Its demand comes amid concerns raised by the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG). In an October 6 petition, the association sought suspension pending further consultation and clarification of potential implications for fisheries resources, marine habitats and coastal livelihoods.
According to Graphic Online, NAFAG said the company held 10 offshore reconnaissance licences covering approximately 10,000 square kilometres between Half Assini and Winneba. It requested official coordinates to establish any overlap with the Inshore Exclusion Zone and sought clarification on applicable fisheries and environmental safeguards.
Nurture Nature Foundation’s position goes further: it advocates a permanent end to the project, rather than a pause pending completion of consultations.
Company’s response
GoldCoast Resource Corp. said in an October 8 statement that its reconnaissance licences remained valid, subject to their terms and applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
The company said it had completed its airborne magnetic survey on August 22 and had conducted no operations under the licences since that date. It stated that the next phase would depend on appropriate environmental permits and the grant of a prospecting licence, following stakeholder engagement.
GoldCoast also maintained that it complied with Ghanaian laws and regulations and pledged to safeguard the marine and coastal environment.
For Nurture Nature Foundation, however, assurances about future compliance do not resolve the fundamental question of whether the project is an acceptable use of Ghana’s coastal waters.
The Foundation says the absence of an established finding of environmental damage should not prevent the government from taking a precautionary decision about the project’s future.
It is urging the government and relevant regulatory institutions to adopt a clear, legally grounded course that delivers an irreversible suspension and lasting protection for marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.
The Foundation’s message is unequivocal: the present halt should become a permanent stop.