Josiah
Residents of Talensi in the Upper East Region have staged a massive demonstration in Bolgatanga, demanding the immediate release of a local mining leader known as Poloo following tensions over mining activities in the area.
The protesters are also calling on the government to allow indigenous miners to take over the operations of Chinese-owned mining company Earl International.
The demonstration follows growing tensions between two mining groups, Earl International and Nalamtaaba, which reportedly escalated into a confrontation that nearly sparked an inter-community conflict.
Following the incident, one of the leaders of the local mining group, identified as Poloo, was arrested, triggering anger among some residents.
The arrest has heightened tensions in the Talensi District, with some demonstrators accusing the paramount chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, certain politicians and security agencies of allegedly favouring the Chinese mining company over local miners.
The protesters marched through parts of Bolgatanga, calling for fairness and equal treatment in the handling of the dispute.
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, who joined the demonstration, appealed to the government to ensure justice and called for Poloo’s immediate release.
He also urged authorities to create opportunities for indigenous miners to participate in mining activities, arguing that the sector provides an important source of livelihood for many people in the area.
The demonstrators further demanded that Earl International’s operations be handed over to local miners. They also criticised the paramount chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, accusing him of supporting the Chinese-owned company at the expense of indigenous miners.
Meanwhile, a Talensi resident, Mathew Yarro, expressed concern about the situation and called for a fair resolution that addresses the grievances of the affected communities.
As part of the demonstration, the protesters presented a petition to the Upper East Regional Minister through the Regional Coordinating Director, Bless Kwame Darkey.
Receiving the petition, Mr Darkey commended the demonstrators for maintaining what he described as peaceful conduct and assured them that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
The residents are calling for urgent government intervention to ease tensions in the area, secure Poloo’s release and find a lasting solution to the dispute between the mining groups.
Source:Omanghana
