Gbane Opinion Leader Raises Security Concerns Over Mining Suspension
An opinion leader in the Gbane community in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, Alhaji Fahad Bagremertamme, has expressed concern over the potential security implications following the order by the Inspector of mines ordering Nanlamtaaba Enterprise and Earl International Mining Company to suspend its mining operations. According to Alhaji Fahad, the people of Gbane respect the rule of law and have no objection to the court’s decision if it is implemented according to due process. He, however, questioned the activities of individuals he identified as “Poloo and his associates,” arguing that their actions were creating tension within the community. “We respect the rule of law, and if the judge has said the company should come and work, we have no problem with that because we respect the jurisprudence,” he said. He added that the court’s directive by the Inspector of mines for the company to stop working for two weeks could have serious consequences for the community, particularly given the high level of unemployment and insecurity in the area. Alhaji Fahad said a significant proportion of residents depend directly or indirectly on mining-related activities for their livelihoods, and expressed concern that a sudden suspension of operations could leave many young people without work. “Almost 45 or 50 percent of the people here are working in the mining sector. So, if these guys are asked to stay at home for two weeks, it could bring a lot of disturbance,” he stated. He further raised concerns about the security situation in Gbane, noting that the community has experienced incidents of armed robbery and other security challenges. According to him, there are also concerns surrounding individuals allegedly providing protection for persons involved in the mining dispute. He alleged that some individuals had previously been arrested by the military with AK-47 rifles and sent to court, but said the community was uncertain about the outcome of the case. “These are the same people back there protecting Poloo. So, I don’t know,” he said. The situation, he explained, had heightened fear among residents, particularly those working around mining sites. He recounted concerns about armed individuals allegedly approaching people at mining locations and ordering them to leave, questioning the circumstances under which such actions were taking place. Alhaji Fahad therefore appealed to the government and relevant security authorities to intervene urgently to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the dispute. He warned that if the situation was not addressed, community members could be forced to consider protecting themselves, a development he said could further escalate tensions. He nevertheless stressed that the community’s leadership had been urging the youth to remain calm and avoid retaliation. “We have advised all our youth to calm down and not retaliate. If not for that, by now things could have been worse,” he said. The opinion leader maintained that preserving peace remained the priority, urging the government and security agencies to act swiftly to prevent the mining dispute from developing into a wider security crisis in Gbane. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nanlamtaaba PRO Challenges Alliance for Gban Claims, Says Company Is Legally Registered
John Yaro, Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Nanlamtaaba Enterprise, has strongly rejected several claims made by the Alliance for Gban Development during its recent press conference over the ongoing mining dispute in the Gbane community of the Upper East Region. Responding to the allegations, Mr. Yaro challenged assertions concerning the mining status and legal standing Zongdaan Boyak Kolog popularly known as Poloo,” as well as claims about security protection allegedly being provided to him. According to him, contrary to claims that Boyak Kolog does not have a mining licence, he is currently operating as a small-scale miner and has been involved in a legal dispute with the Minerals Commission since 2020. He explained that the Minerals Commission had issued a licence in connection with the disputed concession, prompting Boyak Kolog to seek legal redress. “He went to court because the Minerals Commission issued a licence over his licence in 2020. He went to court and obtained an injunction against the Minerals Commission and the so-called international act,” Mr. Yaro stated. He further claimed that the High Court had issued orders restraining certain parties from undertaking activities around the concession involving Nanlamtaaba Enterprise. According to him, the court orders affected the operations of the company and also placed restrictions on certain state officials in relation to the dispute. Mr. Yaro therefore questioned claims that Puyak Kolog was operating without a valid licence. “If he has no licence, how can the Republic give him police protection?” he asked. “The man has no licence. How can police protection be applied in support of him?” He urged journalists and the public to critically examine the various claims being made by the parties rather than accepting allegations without asking questions. The Nanlamtaaba PRO also addressed the issue of security personnel allegedly protecting Boyak Kolog. He disputed suggestions that the individuals providing security were unregistered or unknown entities, insisting that they were private security companies. He also maintained that police presence around the disputed mining area was real, although the personnel might not always appear in uniform. “The police are always with us,” Mr. Yaro said, adding that he personally has police protection wherever he moves. He questioned whether critics expected police officers to be visibly present in uniform before acknowledging their presence. According to him, the security arrangements were intended to maintain peace and protect people within the area rather than demonstrate support for one side of the dispute. Mr. Yaro further said Nanlamtaaba Enterprise had decided to respect the current stop-work directive affecting the parties involved in the dispute. He indicated that the company was prepared to appear before the relevant authorities in Accra to present its case and provide clarification on the issues surrounding its operations. “We have a stop-work order within Earl-International and Nanlamtaaba. We are going by it. We will be invited to Accra, and we will go and make our case,” he stated. He dismissed the Alliance for Gban Development’s allegations as lacking substance, describing them as an attempt to divert attention from the substantive issues surrounding the dispute. “Nanlamtaaba is a registered company,” Mr. Yaro stressed. The latest development adds another layer to the ongoing tensions surrounding mining activities in Gbane, with the two sides presenting sharply different accounts of the legal status of the mining operations, security arrangements and the circumstances surrounding the disputed concession. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister Samuel Nartey George to Feature in Government’s Accountability Series on September 7, 2026
The stage is set for another edition of the government’s Accountability Series, with the spotlight this time on Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. On Monday, September 7, 2026, at precisely 11 AM, Mr. George will engage the nation as part of the Presidency Communications team’s ongoing initiative to foster transparency and public dialogue. The Accountability Series, organized by the team at the Presidency, has become a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to keep citizens informed and involved. Through these sessions, ministers and high-level officials provide direct updates on policies, programmes, and achievements in their respective sectors. As anticipation builds, Mr. George is expected to address key issues and recent developments within the communications, digital technology, and innovation landscape. The session aims to shed light on the government’s progress, challenges, and future plans in these fast-evolving sectors. The Presidency Communications team emphasized the importance of the series as a vital platform, enabling government members to connect with the public, share information, and answer questions about their stewardship. Monday’s session promises to be an important opportunity for Ghanaians to gain insight into the work being undertaken to keep the nation at the forefront of digital innovation. All eyes will be on the Minister as he takes to the stage at 11 AM, continuing the tradition of open government and accountability that has become a hallmark of the current administration. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Concludes Evacuation of 1,900 Citizens from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stood at the airport, his face a portrait of relief and resolve, as he greeted the last group of weary, homebound Ghanaians. The day marked the conclusion of a massive national effort: the evacuation of approximately 1,900 Ghanaian citizens from South Africa, following a recent surge in xenophobic violence there. In a heartfelt Facebook post, accompanied by photos capturing the emotional reunions, Minister Ablakwa recounted the journey. “Today I warmly welcomed the final group of Ghanaians successfully evacuated from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks,” he wrote, his words echoing the collective sigh of a nation relieved to see its people safe. The evacuation unfolded in two phases, with the second phase alone seeing 1,000 Ghanaians return. Each evacuee received support not just for their journey home, but for their new start: reintegration financial aid, transportation allowances, medical care, psychosocial support, free health insurance registration, and ongoing employment assistance. Minister Ablakwa was quick to emphasize that this was more than a government operation—it was a demonstration of national unity and compassion. “We achieved this together as Ghanaians. Our message is clear: we value the lives of Ghanaians everywhere in the world, and no Ghanaian will be abandoned in harm’s way,” he declared. He expressed deep gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his inspirational leadership and extended thanks to all local partners whose efforts made the mission possible. Yet, amidst the relief, the Foreign Affairs Minister did not forget those lost: he acknowledged the four Ghanaians who tragically died during the period of unrest, offering prayers and heartfelt condolences to their grieving families. Looking ahead, Minister Ablakwa assured the public that the Foreign Ministry would provide a full and transparent account of the evacuation process. “Next week the Foreign Ministry shall present a comprehensive report and account fully and transparently to the great people of Ghana,” he promised. As the final plane touched down and families embraced, the story of Ghana’s response stood as a testament to unity and the unwavering commitment to protect its citizens, no matter how far from home they may be. Source: Apexnewsgh.com