Youth from the Talensi District in Ghana's Upper East Region recently marched through Bolgatanga to press President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in a long-running mining dispute. The dispute centres on a standoff between locally-owned Nalaamtaaba Enterprise and Chinese-owned Earl International Gold Ghana Limited. The protest, which was peaceful, drew the support of lawyer and activist Martin Kpebu.
The mining dispute has had significant economic impacts on the local community, with over 1,000 people reportedly losing their livelihoods. Nalaamtaaba Enterprise provides direct and indirect employment to more than 1,000 people in Talensi, and the dispute has led to a substantial increase in unemployment in the area. Martin Kpebu described the situation as a national security concern.
During the protest, a sign reading "EARL INTERNATIONAL IS A KILLER" was carried through the streets of Bolgatanga. The protesters presented a petition to President Mahama through the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, seeking enforcement of a High Court order that permits Nalaamtaaba Enterprise to continue its mining operations. The court order is pending a substantive dispute involving Nalaamtaaba, Shaanxi, and the Minerals Commission.
The petition, delivered by Martin Kpebu, requested President Mahama to ensure that the police fully enforce the High Court order. Kpebu alleged that certain individuals and forces had frustrated attempts to enforce the court's directive, despite the Inspector-General of Police and his legal team having reviewed and cleared the order for implementation.
Nalaamtaaba Enterprise's Chief Executive Officer, Boya Kolukpolo, and some members of his team remain in police custody as the dispute continues. Kpebu appealed for Kolukpolo to be granted bail so he could return to oversee operations at the concession. The protesters were commended for their peaceful conduct throughout the march.
The Upper East Regional Coordinating Director received the petition on behalf of the Regional Minister and assured the group that it would be forwarded to President Mahama. The youth are now awaiting a response from the Presidency, with the fate of Nalaamtaaba's mining operations and the livelihoods tied to the concession hanging on how quickly the matter is addressed.
The mining dispute in Talensi has garnered significant attention due to its impact on the local community. The situation remains uncertain, with the outcome dependent on the President's response to the petition. The youth of Talensi are hopeful that their concerns will be addressed, and the mining operations can resume, restoring livelihoods and economic stability to the area.
Key points
- The mining dispute between Nalaamtaaba Enterprise and Earl International Gold Ghana Limited has resulted in over 1,000 people losing their livelihoods in Talensi.
- The protesters petitioned President Mahama to enforce a High Court order allowing Nalaamtaaba Enterprise to continue its mining operations.
- Nalaamtaaba Enterprise's CEO, Boya Kolukpolo, remains in police custody as the dispute drags on.
