Gban: Alliance for Gban Development, a registered youth group in the Gban community of the Upper East Region, has called on authorities to address rising insecurity in the area. They described as ‘persistent intimidation, threats to life’ and insecurity allegedly orchestrated by armed men.
According to Ghana News Agency, at a press conference held in Gban, Mr. John Kpal Bognaab, the group’s Secretary, narrated a string of incidents that have shaken the peace and stability of the community in recent months. The group accused one Zongdan Boyak Kolog, alias Poloo, an indigene of the neighboring Yameriga community, of mobilizing armed individuals, some believed not to be indigenes of the district, to launch attacks on indigenes of the Gban community.
Mr. Bognaab reported that on January 25 and 26, 2025, Poloo and his associates allegedly stormed the Gban community mining area and fired sporadic gunshots, forcing local traders and residents to flee. Though no casualties were recorded, the incident created panic, especially among women and children.
The group emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that they have narrowly avoided bloodshed twice. They expressed concern that the peace fought for by their forefathers could be compromised due to the actions of one individual. The group also alleged that Poloo, who previously benefited from small-scale mining activities in Gban, was now falsely claiming ownership of mining concessions within the community, despite the transition to large-scale operations by Earl International Group Ghana Gold Ltd.
They further revealed that official documents from the Minerals Commission showed Poloo held no valid lease in Gban and described his recent actions as reckless. ‘Despite all this, he disregarded sound advice and caution from law enforcement institutions and brought in bandits to protect what he claims to be his mining concession. It is on record that eight of these thugs were arrested on May 31, 2025, by a combined team of police and military with weapons and ammunition,’ they added.
The case is currently at the Bolgatanga High Court. As part of their demands, the Alliance is calling on security agencies to increase security in the area, address rising robbery cases, and thoroughly investigate all incidents involving Poloo and his associates, applying the full weight of the law without favor.
The group is also appealing to the Tongraan, Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional area, to summon the chief and elders of Yameriga to call Poloo to order, hoping that respect for traditional authority might dissuade him from further actions. They are also urging regional authorities, including the Upper East Regional Minister and municipal leaders, to intervene before the situation escalates into a larger conflict.
Finally, the group is asking Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited to maintain open dialogue with the chiefs and youth of Gban and TalengTeng to ensure community concerns are addressed and peace sustained in the area.