Talensi Youth Demand Release of Licensed Miner “Polo,” Call for DCE’s Removal

Tensions are escalating in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region as youth groups intensify calls for the release of licensed small-scale miner Zongdan Boyak Kolog, popularly known as Polo.

The youth allege that Polo is being held in connection with a long-running dispute between him and the Chinese-owned mining company Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited, formerly known as Shaanxi Mining Ghana Limited.

According to the group, Polo holds a valid mining concession at Gbane and secured a High Court order in Bolgatanga directing the Ghana Police Service to protect and assist him in accessing and operating on the concession. They further claim that the court reaffirmed the order in June 2026.

Despite the ruling, the youth allege that workers attempting to access the concession have faced intimidation and attacks by security personnel associated with Earl International. They claim some workers were shot at while trying to enter the site.

The group is therefore calling on the Inspector-General of Police to facilitate Polo's immediate release and ensure safe and unhindered access to the concession.

Their demands follow Polo's arrest on October 14, 2026, after clashes between members of the Gbane and Namolug communities. Security personnel reportedly transported him to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra, where he is said to remain in custody as investigations continue.

Claims linking Polo to the community conflict, as well as other allegations against him, have not been independently verified. He has not been publicly convicted of any offence.

The Ghana Police Service has stated that 16 suspects were arrested during security operations at the Gbane mining site and are assisting with ongoing investigations.

The youth are also demanding that Earl International vacate Polo's concession, arguing that the company has no legitimate claim to the area.

In addition, they have accused the Talensi District Chief Executive (DCE) of backing the Chinese mining firm and are calling for his removal from office. Neither the DCE nor Earl International had publicly responded to those specific allegations at the time of filing this report.

The dispute comes amid growing scrutiny of Earl International's operations in the area. In September 2026, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) ordered the company to suspend operations at its Gbane mine, citing expired environmental permits and other regulatory breaches.

Community-based organisations, including the Talensi Mining Communities Initiative, have also called for investigations into the company's activities and accountability over alleged assaults linked to operations at the mine.

The Talensi youth insist they will continue to push for Polo's release, protection of his mining concession, and action against public officials they believe have sided with foreign mining interests. Authorities have yet to issue a formal response to their latest demands.