Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has joined youth from the Talensi District of the Upper East Region in petitioning President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in a protracted mining dispute involving locally owned Nalaamtaaba Enterprise and Chinese-owned Earl International Gold Ghana Limited.
The petitioners are demanding the enforcement of a court order they say allows Nalaamtaaba Enterprise to resume mining operations at its concession while the substantive dispute is being determined.
The demand followed a peaceful demonstration through the principal streets of Bolgatanga, where the youth called for urgent government intervention to resolve the impasse and restore mining activities.
Mr Kpebu, who joined the demonstrators, led the presentation of the petition to the President through the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council.
In the petition, he urged President Mahama to ensure that the police enforce a High Court order involving Nalaamtaaba Enterprise, Shaanxi and the Minerals Commission, which he said permits the company to continue operating pending further investigations and a final determination of the case.
He alleged that some individuals had frustrated efforts to implement the order, despite the Inspector-General of Police and his legal team having reviewed it and given approval for its enforcement.
Mr Kpebu is therefore asking the President to intervene to ensure that the police secure the concession and allow the company’s workers to return to work.
He said Nalaamtaaba Enterprise provides direct and indirect employment to more than 1,000 people in Talensi, warning that the prolonged suspension of operations is worsening unemployment and affecting households that depend on the mine for their livelihoods.
Describing unemployment as a national security concern, he called for swift action to resolve the dispute and prevent further economic hardship in the district.
The petitioners also raised concerns about the arrest and continued detention of the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Boya Kolukpolo, and some members of his team.
Mr Kpebu appealed for the CEO to be granted bail to enable him to return and oversee the possible resumption of operations.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister, the Regional Coordinating Director commended the demonstrators for maintaining a peaceful protest.
He assured them that the petition would be forwarded to President Mahama promptly upon the Regional Minister’s return from an engagement relating to the mining industry.
The youth say they are awaiting a response from the Presidency, maintaining that the enforcement of the court order and resolution of the mining dispute are critical to restoring operations and protecting livelihoods in Talensi.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102.7 MHz| Moses Anaba| Bolgatanga
