Human rights lawyer Martin Kpebu has joined youth and residents of Ghana's Upper East Region in a demonstration in Bolgatanga, demanding the release of businessman Zongdan Boyak Kolog, popularly known as Master Polo. Master Polo, Chief Executive Officer of Nanlamtaaba Mining Enterprise, was arrested on October 14, 2026, by the Ghana Police Service's Special Police Operations Unit, amid tensions in the Gbane-Namoaligo mining enclave. The demonstration aimed to petition President John Dramani Mahama for his intervention in the dispute between Nanlamtaaba Mining Enterprise and Earl International Group (Ghana) Gold Limited.
Master Polo was reportedly taken into custody for alleged illegal mining, firearms-related offences, and incitement in connection with the dispute. He appeared before a court in Accra on October 19 and was remanded into custody for two weeks. The allegations remain before the court. According to Mr. Kpebu, the petition sought police protection for Nanlamtaaba's mining concession to enable the company's management and workers to continue their operations without interference.
A High Court ruling in a dispute involving Nanlamtaaba, Shaanxi Minerals, and other government agencies had permitted the company to continue operating pending further proceedings. Mr. Kpebu claimed that the Inspector-General of Police and his team had reviewed the court order and authorised its implementation, but alleged that some individuals had obstructed the police from enforcing it. The company's legal team cited a High Court order issued in Bolgatanga on November 21, 2025, and reaffirmed on June 8, 2026.
The demonstrators accused Earl International Group of encroaching on Nanlamtaaba's mining concession and alleged that the government was favouring the foreign-owned mining company in the dispute. They argued that the alleged interference had affected the livelihoods of workers and their families who depended on Master Polo's mining operations. The protesters maintained that Master Polo's business had created employment opportunities for young people in the Talensi District.
The protesters warned that the continued disruption of mining activities and the resulting unemployment could pose threats to national security. They called on President Mahama to ensure that the court's ruling is respected, the police are allowed to carry out their duties, and Nanlamtaaba's workers can resume operations without interference. The demonstrators also demanded Master Polo's release and a fair resolution of the mining dispute.
According to the protesters, Master Polo's business had become a significant source of livelihood for the youth in the area, with many expressing frustration over what they described as unequal treatment of the two companies. They stated that while Master Polo was feeding the youth, the Chinese were feeding the politicians. The protesters sought President Mahama's intervention to address the issue.
The demonstration, which took place in Bolgatanga, was addressed by human rights lawyer Martin Kpebu, who emphasised the need for President Mahama to intervene in the dispute. The protesters' demands included Master Polo's release, police protection for Nanlamtaaba's mining concession, and a fair resolution of the mining dispute to protect livelihoods and promote peace in the Talensi District.
Key points
- The protesters demanded Master Polo's release and a fair resolution of the mining dispute.
- The dispute involves Nanlamtaaba Mining Enterprise and Earl International Group (Ghana) Gold Limited.
- The protesters accused the government of favouring the foreign-owned mining company in the dispute.
