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 of a court directive 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 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