The Minerals Commission has ordered a two-week suspension of underground mining activities at the Gbane and Adakoto sites in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region amid a boundary dispute between Earl International Group Ghana Limited and Nanlaamtaba Mining Company.
Under a formal prohibition notice signed by the two companies, Chief Mining Inspector Joseph Frimpong directed that underground access be restricted to essential safety activities, including ventilation and de-watering.
The directive also prohibits the carrying of firearms at the sites and requires both companies to disclose the locations of all underground shafts.
Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga has urged the companies and other stakeholders to comply fully with the directive, stressing the need for a peaceful resolution to protect the region’s image and safeguard the livelihoods of more than 2,000 people linked to the mining operations.
Talensi District Chief Executive John Millim also called for an expedited resolution of the dispute to minimise its impact on mining activities and local livelihoods.
Regional Police Commander DCOP Ferguson Dzineku assured stakeholders that the police would work to contain the situation, warning that a prolonged disruption could create conditions for increased criminal activity.
The two companies are expected to meet officials of the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in Accra to work towards a lasting resolution of the boundary dispute.
