The Minerals Commission has ordered a two-week suspension of all underground mining operations at the Gbane mining area in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, following a protracted boundary dispute between Earl International Limited and Nanlamtaaba Enterprise.
The suspension, contained in a formal Prohibition Notice issued by the Acting Chief Inspector of Mines, Joseph Frimpong, follows a meeting held on September 2, 2026, and concerns what the Commission describes as heightened safety concerns arising from the dispute.
The notice, issued under Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182), states that the dispute has created what it describes as a “very serious” and dangerous atmosphere.
According to the Commission, the situation has resulted in serious injuries, with reports and images of wounded and maimed persons linked to the dispute.
As part of the directive, both companies have been ordered to cease all mining operations at their sites in the Gbane area, with access restricted only to essential activities such as dewatering and ventilation.
The Commission has further directed that the suspension should remain in force for two weeks, during which the two companies are expected to meet with the Deputy Minister responsible for the sector and officials of the Minerals Commission to resolve the dispute.
The Commission has also informed the companies of their right to seek a review of the prohibition notice in accordance with the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012.
The directive comes amid growing concerns over the potential security and economic consequences of the disagreement, particularly given the importance of mining to livelihoods in the Talensi District.
Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has consequently called on all parties to comply with the directive and pursue a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
He has stressed the need to protect the region’s image and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend directly and indirectly on mining activities.
The Talensi District Chief Executive, John Millim, has also called for an urgent resolution of the matter to prevent prolonged disruption to mining activities and its potential impact on the local economy.
Meanwhile, the Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP John Ferguson Dzineku, has assured that the security agencies will continue to monitor the situation and work to prevent any escalation.
The Prohibition Notice has been copied to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry’s Chief Director, the Environmental Protection Agency in the Upper East Region, the Talensi District Assembly, the Upper East Regional Police Command and other relevant institutions.
The two mining companies are expected to use the two-week suspension period to engage the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in Accra in an effort to reach a lasting resolution to the boundary dispute.
The Commission’s directive is expected to remain in force until the expiry of the two-week period or until the matter is otherwise resolved in accordance with the applicable regulations.
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