GoldCoast GRC Ghana Limited has insisted that its upcoming offshore activities are strictly scientific surveys, not commercial gold mining. The company is aiming to clear up misunderstandings as it steps up talks with traditional authorities and coastal communities along Ghana’s western shore.
Over two days this week, the company held meetings in the Ellembelle District and Jomoro Municipality, involving major traditional leaders such as Awulae Blay IX, Paramount Chief of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council at Atuabo, and Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III, Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Council at Beyin. The gatherings also included representatives from Esiama and Azuleloanu.
Daniel Osei-Bonsu, GoldCoast GRC’s Environmental, Social and Governance Lead, outlined the company’s Marine Scientific Reconnaissance and Environmental Management Programme. He said the initiative aims to collect scientific and environmental baseline data using non-invasive survey methods. The purpose is to assess Ghana’s offshore mineral potential in a way that informs government decisions on future exploration and mining.
Osei-Bonsu stressed, “The proposed activities should not be mistaken for commercial offshore mining, which would require separate regulatory approvals.” The company has made clear that its reconnaissance work is preliminary and designed to support further geological and environmental studies.
GoldCoast GRC is also planning to establish a Centre of Excellence for Offshore Marine Research in Ghana. The centre would promote scientific collaboration, environmental monitoring, and capacity development related to marine resources.
The traditional rulers welcomed the direct engagement. Awulae Blay IX and Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III encouraged GoldCoast GRC to maintain and expand consultations to build trust and mutual understanding. They emphasised ongoing dialogue and transparency as essential to addressing community concerns.
Community members expressed optimism about the talks but asked for concrete measures to protect livelihoods and the marine environment. Fisherfolk and residents called for safeguards that would prevent harm to fishing activities and ensure coastal ecosystems remain intact.
These consultations have intensified following directives from Ghana’s Minerals Commission, which ordered GoldCoast GRC to conduct further stakeholder engagement across its ten offshore reconnaissance concessions. The company said the process forms part of its efforts to be transparent and responsive to local concerns.
GoldCoast GRC’s outreach comes amid growing public scrutiny of offshore mineral exploration in Ghana. The western coastal corridor is known for artisanal and commercial fishing, and communities have voiced concerns about the potential impact of offshore mining.
By framing its work as scientific reconnaissance, GoldCoast GRC aims to clarify that no commercial extraction is taking place at this stage. The company’s commitment to environmental baseline studies seeks to ensure that any future mining would be better informed and regulated.
The traditional chiefs’ involvement signals recognition of the community’s stake in offshore activities. Their calls for sustained dialogue suggest that the company’s next steps will be closely watched by local leaders and residents.
GoldCoast GRC’s stated intention to develop a research centre also points to a longer-term role in Ghana’s marine science landscape. Whether this will translate into lasting collaboration or more contentious debates remains to be seen.
According to 3News.
