Residents, including chiefs and youth of the Gbane mining community in the Talensi district of the Upper East region, have raised alarm over the increasing intimidation, threats to life, and deteriorating security and stability in the area.
This follows several alleged attempts on the lives and properties of residents.
Clad in red and holding placards, the youth—alongside women and children—marched in protest to express their grief and fear over the insecurity allegedly being inflicted by certain individuals and armed robbers disturbing the peace in the community.
According to the group, the threats and intimidation began when a small-scale mining concession holder (name withheld), who initially participated in the absorption of some concessions into what is now known as Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited, later denied any involvement in the agreement that led to the formation of the large-scale mining company.
“We have evidence that [name withheld] actively participated in these engagements—all sponsored by the mining company—yet he now denies any involvement, a stance we believe is in bad faith,” the group stated in a press release.
They claim his denial and dissociation from the agreement has fueled insecurity and tension in the area, threatening the fragile peace.
The group urged the concession holder to prove his claims of non-involvement through legal channels rather than resorting to intimidation, threats, and provocation.
Many residents who spoke to the media expressed that the presence of Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited has significantly reduced illegal mining activities, created employment for the youth, and curbed social vices in the area.
They warned against any attempt to jeopardize these gains. “We will not allow any individual or group to destroy our source of livelihood due to selfish interests,” one resident said.
The group further noted that “any threat to our community’s peace is a direct threat to the operations of Earl International, which has created opportunities for unemployed youth in Gbane, Talensi, and Ghana at large—just as the alleged aggrieved concession holder once benefited from the mining sector.”
The youth also warned they will no longer tolerate actions that compromise their peace and development. According to the group’s checks, the alleged aggrieved concession holder currently holds no valid lease or concession in Ghana and is allegedly engaging in illegal mining with an expired or invalid lease
They are calling on the security forces to intensify efforts to curb the rampant armed robbery in the area, which has escalated due to the ongoing insecurity.
Additionally, they urged the Upper East Regional Security Council, led by Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri, to assess the region’s peace and intervene promptly to prevent Gbane from becoming a ‘red zone.’
Efforts to reach the alleged concession holder for comment were unsuccessful.
source:onuaonline
