Talensi Youth Petition Mahama: Enforce Nalaamtaaba Mining Court Order

• Youth in Ghana's Talensi District petitioned President John Dramani Mahama on November 4, 2026, regarding a mining dispute.
• The dispute involves Nalaamtaaba Enterprise and Earl International Gold Ghana Limited, impacting hundreds of livelihoods.
• Legal activist Martin Kpebu led the petition, calling for enforcement of a High Court order allowing Nalaamtaaba to continue operations.
• The petition also highlighted the arrest and detention of Nalaamtaaba CEO Boya Kolukpolo and requested his bail.
• Nalaamtaaba Enterprise provides employment for over 1,000 people, making its operational suspension a significant economic concern.

Despite the Inspector-General of Police and his legal team having reportedly reviewed the court order and authorized its implementation, Mr. Kpebu alleged that certain individuals and external forces have actively obstructed efforts to enforce this judicial directive.

Aggrieved young people from the Talensi District in Ghana's Upper East Region recently took to the streets of Bolgatanga to protest a prolonged mining dispute. Their demonstration culminated in a formal petition addressed to President John Dramani Mahama, urging his direct intervention. The core of their concern revolves around an ongoing conflict between Nalaamtaaba Enterprise, a locally owned mining firm, and Earl International Gold Ghana Limited, a Chinese-owned company.

Central to the petition is a plea for President Mahama to ensure the proper enforcement of a High Court order. This ruling, stemming from a dispute involving Nalaamtaaba Enterprise, Shaanxi, and the Minerals Commission, explicitly permits Nalaamtaaba to continue its mining operations while the broader substantive case proceeds towards a final determination. Mr. Kpebu, speaking on behalf of the petitioners, emphasized the necessity for police to fully and effectively secure the Nalaamtaaba concession, thereby allowing the company's leadership and workforce to resume their lawful activities.

Despite the Inspector-General of Police and his legal team having reportedly reviewed the court order and authorized its implementation, Mr. Kpebu alleged that certain individuals and external forces have actively obstructed efforts to enforce this judicial directive. He underscored the importance of bringing this issue to the President's attention, given the apparent frustration of a clear legal mandate.

The suspension of operations at Nalaamtaaba Enterprise has created significant economic distress within the Talensi District. The company is a major employer, providing direct and indirect work for more than 1,000 residents. Consequently, the halt in mining activities has resulted in widespread unemployment, placing considerable financial strain on numerous families who rely on the concession for their income.

Mr. Kpebu articulated a grave warning regarding the situation, characterizing prolonged unemployment as a national security threat. He urged authorities to promptly address the ongoing interruption to prevent further hardship and potential instability among the youth, whose employment opportunities have been severely curtailed by the dispute.

Beyond the operational issues, the petition also voiced serious concerns regarding the arrest and ongoing detention of Boya Kolukpolo, the Chief Executive Officer of Nalaamtaaba Enterprise, along with several members of his team. Mr. Kpebu specifically appealed for Mr. Kolukpolo to be granted bail without delay, stressing that his release is crucial for him to return and effectively oversee the company's operations.

The petition was formally received by the Regional Coordinating Director, acting on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister. The Director acknowledged the demonstrators for maintaining a peaceful conduct throughout their protest. The youth's appeal to President Mahama on November 4, 2026, underscores the community's reliance on the Nalaamtaaba mining activities and their desire for a swift resolution to the dispute.

Lawyers advising mining companies in Ghana should note the potential for political intervention in disputes, even where court orders exist, especially when local livelihoods are impacted. This case highlights challenges in enforcing judicial directives and the need to consider community and governmental relations alongside legal strategy.

Source: Facts derived from original reporting by Prince Adu-Owusu and Albert Sore.