CSOs urge government to review 10,000 sq km offshore gold licences over fisheries concerns

They also called for an independent spatial assessment showing the relationship between the licensed areas and the IEZ, the Greater Cape Three Points MPA, key fishing grounds, spawning and nursery areas and other sensitive marine habitats and for the government to clarify the legal and environmental approvals required for subsequent activities, particularly vibro-core drilling, bulk sampling and any eventual dredging.

The CSOs said no prospecting licence should be granted and no intrusive seabed activity should proceed without comprehensive environmental, fisheries, socio-economic and human-rights assessments, including consideration of marine mammals and underwater noise, insisting that the Fisheries Commission, relevant ministries and agencies, coastal communities, academia and civil society must be involved in the review process.“Mr President, Ghana has taken important steps to expand the IEZ, rebuild its fisheries and establish its first Marine Protected Area.