The Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, on Saturday toured a mining site at Gbane following a High Court order directing the Upper East Regional Security Council to provide security for a miner the court ruled in favour of to enable mining operations to proceed.
The visit formed part of efforts by the minister and members of the security council to familiarise themselves with the mining site and assess the situation on the ground ahead of implementing the court’s directive.
During the tour, the minister engaged with key stakeholders and observed activities within the mining enclave to better understand the dynamics and prevailing security concerns in the area. The move comes amid rising tensions following the court’s decision.
The minister’s intervention follows strong opposition from the Chief of Talensi, the Chief of Gbane and members of the local community, who have protested against the miner granted the court’s backing.
The standoff prompted the regional minister and members of the security council to visit the site to evaluate the feasibility of implementing the court’s ruling while maintaining peace and security in the community.
Also accompanying the minister on the visit was the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Nii Moi Thompson, who was in the region for a stakeholder engagement with regional, municipal and district planners.
Given that Gbane is a rapidly growing mining community, Dr Thompson’s participation in the tour offered him first-hand insight into the area’s development challenges and opportunities.
The observations are expected to inform the Commission’s efforts to develop a sustainable development framework for mining communities across the country.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
