Ghana: Offshore gold exploration suspended pending stakeholder talks

It expressed appreciation for the continued vigilance of stakeholders in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources for present and future generations, and reaffirmed the commitment of the Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to meaningful consultation that ultimately aids responsible mineral governance and environmental protection.

The Commission explained that Article 257(6) of the 1992 Constitution, 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 shelf, in the President, in trust for the people of Ghana.

The directive follows representations received by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Commission from key stakeholders, including civil society organisations and other concerned parties, raising objections to the grant of the mineral rights and the activities proposed under the licences.