By – Sadat Dabo

Renowned lawyer Martin Kpebu has joined residents of Bolgatanga, Gbane, Talensi and surrounding communities in a massive demonstration demanding the immediate release of local mining businessman Zongdan Boyak Kolog, popularly known as “Polo,” amid growing tensions over the operations of Nalamtaba Mining Company

The protest, held on Monday, November 2, 2026, saw demonstrators take to the principal streets of Bolgatanga to express their displeasure over Polo’s detention and what they describe as alleged unfair treatment and foreign encroachment on his mining concession

Polo, who is the Managing Director of Nalamtaba Mining Company, has become the centre of a contentious mining dispute that has sparked concerns among residents and workers in the Talensi area

The demonstrators are calling for his immediate release and have appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the matter

Martin Kpebu Leads Petition to Regional Minister

Martin Kpebu, who serves as lead counsel for Nalamtaba Mining Company, led the protesters in presenting a petition to the Upper East Regional Minister

The petition was received on behalf of the Regional Minister by Blaise Dartey, the Regional Coordinating Director, following the peaceful demonstration

Reading the petition, Kpebu called on President Mahama to intervene and ensure that the police take full control of the Nalamtaba mining concession to enable the company’s management and workers to resume their lawful operations

According to the lawyer, the High Court has issued a ruling allowing Nalamtaba Mining Company to continue its mining activities pending the final determination of the dispute involving the company, Shaanxi Mining Company and other relevant government agencies

Kpebu maintained that the court’s decision had established a basis for the company to continue operating while the substantive legal issues are being resolved

He, however, alleged that certain forces were preventing the implementation of the court order, despite the police leadership having reportedly reviewed the ruling and given the go-ahead for its enforcement

“We respectfully petition President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and help the police effectively police the Nalamtaba concession so that the leaders and workers of Nalamtaba can continue their lawful mining activity,” Kpebu stated

“Unemployment Is a National Security Threat” – Kpebu

The lead counsel further warned that the continued disruption of mining operations could have serious consequences for the livelihoods of thousands of young people in Talensi

He argued that the mine provides employment opportunities for a significant number of local youth, stressing that preventing workers from returning to the concession could worsen unemployment and potentially create security challenges

“Unemployment is a national security threat. This mine provides work for thousands of the youth of Talensi,” he said

Kpebu cautioned that prolonged idleness among the affected workers could expose them to undesirable activities, insisting that the best way to avert such a situation was to ensure compliance with the court order

He also expressed concern that workers were reportedly afraid to return to the mining site due to fears of further arrests

According to him, the police must immediately take control of the concession to guarantee the safety of workers and restore normal operations

Kpebu Demands Police Intervention Even Before Polo’s Release

While the demonstrators are demanding Polo’s immediate release, Kpebu stressed that the restoration of mining operations should not be delayed, even as authorities consider the businessman’s bail arrangements

The lawyer argued that the police should secure the concession and allow workers to return to their duties without fear of arrest

He maintained that the continued suspension of operations, despite the reported court ruling, was creating unnecessary hardship for the company and the local workforce

“The country of laws must work. The order must be implemented to avoid the situation of creating unemployment,” Kpebu emphasized

He further alleged that previous attempts by opponents to challenge Nalamtaba’s operations had been unsuccessful in court

Mahama’s Intervention Sought as Mining Controversy Intensifies

The demonstration has brought renewed attention to the growing controversy surrounding the Nalamtaba mining concession in Talensi

The protesters are urging President Mahama to intervene to ensure that the legal process is respected, Polo is released and the company’s operations are restored

The petition also raises broader concerns about the protection of local mining interests, the enforcement of judicial decisions and the economic consequences of prolonged disputes over mining concessions

As the controversy continues, the demonstrators insist that the immediate release of Polo and the restoration of Nalamtaba’s operations are critical to protecting the livelihoods of thousands of residents in the Upper East Region

Source – gbcuraonline.com