Fishing communities petition President Mahama to revoke gold licenses

The Association of Artisanal Fishing Communities has petitioned President John Mahama to immediately revoke all licenses granted for offshore gold exploration in Ghana's territorial waters. The group expressed grave concerns that such mining activities pose an existential threat to the marine ecosystem and the long-term survival of coastal towns. By calling for an immediate halt to these operations, the association aims to protect the biodiversity of the sea, which serves as a primary source of livelihood for millions of citizens.

A central grievance raised in the petition is the complete lack of consultation with local stakeholders. The fishers noted that the government and relevant regulatory bodies issued exploration licenses without engaging the communities that would be most directly affected by offshore dredging and drilling. This exclusion, they argue, violates the principles of inclusive governance and ignores the traditional knowledge held by those who have managed these waters for generations.

Beyond environmental destruction, the association highlighted the potential for a severe economic downturn within the fishing industry. The group warned that exploration could lead to the destruction of critical fish breeding grounds, causing a collapse in fish stocks. Such a scenario would not only impact active fishermen but also disrupt the entire value chain, including thousands of women who work as fish processors and traders. The loss of these jobs would devastate household incomes across the coastline.

The petition also framed the issue as a matter of national food security, noting that fish remains a vital and affordable source of protein for the Ghanaian population. The association urged President Mahama to prioritize environmental health and sustainable resource management over short-term mineral extraction. They concluded by stressing that the preservation of Ghana's marine resources is a duty to both current and future generations, calling for a policy shift that favors the protection of the blue economy.