It has emerged that illegal miners have taken over two mining shafts belonging to Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited, a mining company operating in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region.
These shafts, 2 and 4, which have been taken over by illegal miners, are significantly affecting the production levels of the oldest mining company in the Talensi District. The company is therefore appealing to stakeholders, including the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, to pursue the issue.
These concerns were raised by Li Jianguo, General Manager of Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited, during the visit of the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, to the mining company on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
The concern of the activities of illegal miners taking over the mining shafts of Earl is coming just a few days after the Alliance for Gban Development, called for improved security following the activities of gun wielding bandits that are threatening the peace of the area and also the arrest of 8 gun wielding individuals in the dying days of May in the underground mines of Earl.
Speaking through an interpreter, Li Jianguo, the General Manager of Earl International, appealed for the support of the RCC and other stakeholders. Some other threats to their operations include floods.
He described the takeover of the two shafts as devastating since they currently rely on only those two shafts.
“Though we have faced lots of challenges such as illegal mining activities and underground attack on our workers, flooding, and several other issues, we have remained strong and continue to work to achieve the needed economic and social impact.
The activities of illegal mining are seriously affecting our operations, as these illegal miners have taken over Shafts 2 and 4. This has greatly affected our production because these are the only two Shafts we have been relying on. We will continue to appeal to you and all stakeholders to take up this issue seriously and work with us to address it.”
The manager, however, assured them of their readiness to honour all obligations to Ghana and Gban, the host community.
“Though we are challenged, management wishes to assure you that we will continue to honor our duties to the state of Ghana and contribute to the development of our host communities.” He stressed.
Assistant Public Relations Officer of Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited, Albert Azongo explained that the two shafts are the cash cows of the company.
Though these threats exist, he narrated that the company is expanding and is currently constructing a new processing plant as part of its expansion drive. In terms of labour, he indicated that over 1000 Ghanaians, 80% being natives of Gban and surrounding communities in the Upper East Region, have been employed by the company.
Mr. Azongo disclosed that the company has begun steps to build a 50-bed capacity hospital in Gban.
Reacting to the progress report by the company and the challenges, the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, commended Earl International for the plan to invest over 10 million cedis into the construction of a 50-bed capacity hospital, as he assures them of collaborating with them to provide the right environment for their operations.
Source: dreamzfmonline.com
