The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, has called on government to suspend the issuance of new mining licences in the district, citing growing tensions and conflicts linked to what he described as an influx of unknown operators.
The appeal was made when the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, paid a courtesy call on the Talensi Traditional Council as part of his working visit to the Upper East Region.
Delivering a welcome address at the palace, the Tongraan expressed concern over what he termed a “flood” of prospecting and mining licences granted to companies and individuals not known to the Traditional Council, a situation he said is fuelling disputes in communities believed to be rich in gold deposits.
“We wish to appeal to you as the sector Minister to suspend the granting of mining licences to individuals or groups of people in the Talensi District,” he stated. “We have noticed a flood of licences being issued to companies unknown to us, and this has brought about conflicts within certain areas.”
He urged the Minister to initiate a review of all licences issued in the area to help restore order and strengthen collaboration between government and traditional authorities.
The Tongraan used the occasion to highlight broader concerns affecting the district, particularly the growing menace of illegal mining, which he described as a serious threat to the environment and livelihoods of local communities.
“Illegal mining is rapidly destroying our farmlands and water bodies, with severe consequences including health risks, economic losses and social conflicts,” he said, calling for urgent and effective measures to curb the practice.
Despite the challenges, the Paramount Chief reaffirmed the Traditional Council’s readiness to support government initiatives aimed at promoting responsible mining. He indicated that lands outside existing large-scale concessions could be made available for community mining schemes to benefit local youth.
“We are prepared to release lands for community mining to enable our youth to engage in safe and regulated mining activities, which will create jobs and improve incomes,” he noted.
On relations with large-scale mining companies, the Tongraan disclosed that discussions were ongoing toward the signing of Social Responsibility Agreements. He said such agreements would ensure structured contributions from mining firms to support development projects, including road construction, employment, and skills training.
The chief also raised concerns about rising insecurity in the area, attributing it to the recent discovery of gold and the influx of people into the district. He reported an increase in armed robbery and other criminal activities, and appealed for enhanced security presence and logistics to address the situation.
“We are witnessing a worrying trend of insecurity, and we call on the relevant authorities to increase security personnel and provide the needed logistics to safeguard lives and property,” he stressed.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah, said his visit to the region was part of efforts to assess mining operations and ensure compliance with Ghana’s laws and regulations. He noted that the government is committed to promoting responsible mining practices while addressing concerns raised by local communities.
A1Radioonline.com|Joshua Asaah|Talensi
