Talensi youth petition Mahama to let Nalaamtaaba resume mining in Earl International row

In the Upper East Region of Ghana, young people in Talensi have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to allow Nalaamtaaba Enterprise to resume mining operations. The dispute centers around the Chinese-owned Earl International Group (Ghana) Gold Limited, which claims Nalaamtaaba is mining illegally on its concession. Lawyer and activist Martin Kpebu led the youth in a peaceful march to the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, where the petition was received on behalf of the President.

Kpebu stated that they respectfully petitioned President Mahama to intervene and help the police effectively police the Nalaamtaaba concession, enabling the company's leaders and workers to continue lawful mining activities. A High Court ruling permitted Nalaamtaaba to keep working while the court reviewed the matter before a final decision. Despite the order, some individuals allegedly obstructed its enforcement.

High Court protections for Nalaamtaaba's managing director, Polo, were also called for, as he remains in police custody. Nalaamtaaba provides employment to over 1,000 people in Talensi, and its halt is exacerbating local unemployment, a national security concern. The petition also requests bail for Polo, who is currently detained.

In October, police and soldiers arrested 16 suspects and seized weapons, ammunition, body armor, and security uniforms from the Gbane site. Earl International asserts that Nalaamtaaba mined illegally in its concession for weeks, lacking valid mining licenses and permits. The company claims illegal miners attacked and injured its security guards in July 2024, leading to the current dispute.

Earl International has not yet responded to the petition. The Talensi Traditional Council had previously banned mining in the area unless miners obtained written consent and valid licenses from the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Authority.