The Gbane community in the Talensi District of Ghana’s Upper East Region is sounding the alarm over growing insecurity allegedly fueled by a controversial mining dispute. The Alliance for Gbane Development, a registered group representing the interests of the community, has accused a local small-scale miner, Zongdaan Boyak Kolog—also known as Poloo—of importing armed men to enforce an illegal claim over a mining concession.
At a press briefing in Gbane, the Alliance—backed by the town’s Chief, youth leaders, and Assembly Members—alleged that Poloo is using individuals connected to factions in the Bawku conflict to intimidate residents and take control of land already leased to a large-scale mining company.
The group pointed to two violent incidents on January 25 and 26, 2025, when Poloo and his alleged armed associates reportedly stormed the area and opened fire, sending miners and traders running for their lives.
A subsequent operation in May led to the arrest of eight armed men, allegedly brought in by Poloo. A combined police and military team seized weapons including an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and rounds of ammunition from a house linked to him. Poloo was arrested and is currently facing charges at the High Court in Bolgatanga, with his next appearance scheduled for June 18, 2025.
The Alliance maintains that Poloo holds no legal claim to any mining site in the area. “Checks with the Minerals Commission show that the lease he is claiming is completely invalid,” the group stated. They are now calling for decisive action from state institutions, particularly the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to publicly confirm Poloo's lack of rights over the land.
The group also appealed to traditional authorities, urging His Royal Majesty Tongraan to engage the Chief and elders of Yameriga—Poloo’s hometown—to rein in his actions. “If he listens to family and tradition, these dangerous moves may not continue,” a representative said.
While commending the swift response by security forces, the Alliance warned that community members, especially the youth, are ready to defend themselves should the attacks continue.
Background:
Poloo’s arrest on January 26 followed allegations that he brought armed men from Bawku to forcibly take over a contested mining concession. He allegedly issued death threats to anyone found on the site, including Gbane’s Chief, Naba Zoarezug Tiibaalug Kumbangkpem, and the community’s spiritual leader (Tindaana).
A follow-up raid on May 31 led to the arrest of the following suspects, believed to have been recruited as armed guards:
- Masawudu Adam, 33
- Yussif Zakari, 26
- Abass Nashiru, 18
- Abunkrugu James, 19
- Abdulai Mbelba, 18
- Abdulai Aziz, 32
- Yussif Mbelba, 46
- Nicholas Yin, 45
The situation continues to draw attention from national security agencies and mining regulators, as the community demands both justice and lasting peace.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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