Gbane Mining Dispute Threatens Bloodshed

Tension in the Gbane community of the Upper East Region has escalated over a long-standing disagreement between Nanlamtaaba Enterprise and Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited. Community leaders have warned that the situation could escalate into violence. The Alliance for Gbane Development, a youth group representing local residents, stated that the area had been tense for over eight weeks since a High Court order enabled Nanlamtaaba to mine with police protection.

This order has created fear and insecurity among residents, especially after confrontations between armed Nanlamtaaba personnel and the community. A recent incident involving three young men nearly turned violent when they were assaulted by armed guards of Nanlamtaaba after being found under a tree near a claimed company area. The group now fears that the presence of armed men, unidentifiable as police or private security, may lead to serious violence.

They question why private armed guards are providing protection when a High Court order directs the Ghana Police Service for security. The group also alleges that personnel with pump-action firearms entered Earl International's underground workings, with one Nanlamtaaba guard accidentally shooting himself. The Alliance demands urgent state intervention to prevent the dispute from turning into a full-blown security crisis.

They argue that the mining company lacks the necessary permits and that the High Court decision should be enforced professionally to protect residents. The group has also criticized a recent order halting mining operations for two weeks, which has led to the dismissal of nearly 2,000 workers, worsening community tensions. They have petitioned President Mahama for intervention, calling for the removal of untrained armed guards, deployment of professional security, and an investigation into alleged assaults and property seizures.