Tension is mounting in Gbane and Gare communities in the Talensi Nabdam District as about 500 youth working as small scale gold miners are displeased about 747,410 acres of land allegedly claimed by a Chinese mining company.
The angry youth, dressed in red bands and led by the assembly member for the Gaare-Gbane electoral area, Mr Bismark Zumah, went on a peaceful demonstration from Gbane to the District Assembly through to Bolgatanga .
Some of the placards they held read: “We want to reclaim our land”, “Why should we be slaves to these Chinese miners in our land,” “Ghana ‘bigman’ with an envelope,finish am,”
At the District Assembly, the police had a tough time controlling the crowd because of the numbers and threatened to deal with anybody who misbehaved or caused any violent scene.
Presenting the petition, Mr Zumah expressed disgust about the activities of the Chinese company, describing the Chinese as a bunch of invaders who were insensitive to the plight of the local people.
Mr Zuma said, the youth were angry with the chief of the area, Naba Zelimsome na Maalteng, for playing a role in the acquisition and added that, the youth had threatened not to spare the chief if all allegations leveled against him were found to be true.
“Considering the volatile nature of the issue, a quick and decisive intervention on your part would go a long way to calm down tension, thereby ensuring that people continue to work and live in peace”, he said.
Mr Mark Woyongo, the Upper East Regional Minister, expressed worry about the rampant demonstrations in the region and appealed to the youth to exercise restraint whilst a committee is set up to investigate the issue.**
