CSOs urge government to review 10,000 sq km offshore gold licences over fisheries concerns
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working in the fisheries and coastal sectors have called on the government to urgently review offshore gold reconnaissance activities along Ghana’s western continental coast.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ghana have urged the government to review offshore gold licences covering approximately 10,000 square kilometres along the western continental coast. The concerns raised by the CSOs centre around potential implications for fisheries, marine ecosystems, and coastal livelihoods. These groups, in an open letter to President John Dramani Mahama, stressed that while they do not oppose responsible investment, decisions affecting the ocean space must protect fisheries, biodiversity, food security, human rights, and coastal livelihoods.
The CSOs highlighted that about 50,000 line-kilometres of airborne magnetic data had already been collected, with further work planned for a 500 square-kilometre area near the mouth of the Ankobra River. They specifically questioned the legal basis for activities such as vibro-coring, bulk seabed sampling, and dredging, referencing relevant sections of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The CSOs are calling for government clarification and leadership to ensure that any future activities align with the existing legal framework and protect the marine environment and coastal communities.
Brief written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
