A youth leader and native of the Talensi District, Solomon T.T.B. Zinekena, has appealed to the Paramount Chief of Talensi, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, to reconsider his recent decision to ban the Talensi Mining Communities Initiative (TAMCI) from operating in the area.
The Talensi Traditional Council, led by the Tongraan, last week resolved to prohibit TAMCI from representing communities or engaging with mining companies in the district, accusing the group of disrespecting traditional authority, usurping powers it did not have, and instigating discontent among residents.
But in a passionate appeal, Solomon TTB urged the Paramount Chief to temper justice with mercy and engage the group in dialogue rather than shutting them out. Speaking on A1 Radio, Solomon stressed that both the chief and the youth are striving for the same goal — the development of Talensi.
“I want to use your esteemed platform to make a passionate appeal to His Royal Eminence, the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, to at least reconsider his decision to ban the TAMCI people. Not because of anything, but because as youth, they are there because he is there. As a paramount chief, he is there because the youth are there,” Solomon said.
He emphasized that banning TAMCI could create division at a time when Talensis needs unity to negotiate fairly with mining companies. “I think he can engage them. They can have a roundtable discussion. They are all fighting for the good of Talensi,” he suggested.
Solomon cautioned that the long-term effects of mining on the district required collective action. He cited examples from countries like South Africa, where mining left communities with health complications, environmental destruction, and a high cost of living once the companies left.
“At the end of the day, after 15 years, after 20 years, what are the benefits we may derive from the mining companies? I am looking for development. I am looking for improvement in the lives of the people. I am looking for the creation of jobs in the area,” he explained.
He noted that the presence of mining operations in Talensi has already raised the cost of housing and basic goods, turning the district into a fast-growing cosmopolitan hub. “Pregnant women may face complications, children may be born with deformities, and people with asthma and other health conditions may suffer. These are the realities we must confront together as a community,” Solomon warned.
The youth leader called on the Tongraan to exercise his fatherly role and forgive any perceived wrongs committed by TAMCI. “Whatever they have done, which might have offended him, he should overlook it because they are his children. And as children, we sometimes disobey our parents. But you need not throw the child away with the bathwater,” he pleaded.
He added that TAMCI members should also be willing to listen and engage with the traditional authority in good faith. “We must get back to the drawing table. I know the group TAMCI should be ready to listen to him so we can all come together with a policy document to engage the companies for the good of Talensi, for the general interest of the people.”
Solomon concluded by reaffirming Talensi’s reputation for peace and unity, expressing optimism that with dialogue and compromise, the Paramount Chief and the youth could find common ground.
“Talensi is known for its peaceful co-existence. And I know with him as a paramount chief, he will definitely play a huge role in bringing us together,” he said.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|
