The Minerals Commission has ordered a two-week suspension of all underground mining operations in the Gbane mining area of the Talensi District in the Upper East Region, following a protracted boundary dispute between Earl International Limited and Nanlamtaaba Enterprise.

The directive is contained in a formal Prohibition Notice issued by the Acting Chief Inspector of Mines, Joseph Frimpong, following a meeting held on September 2, 2026.

The Commission said the suspension was necessary due to heightened safety concerns arising from the dispute, which it described as having created a “very serious” and dangerous atmosphere within the mining area.

According to the Commission, the disagreement has already resulted in serious injuries, with reports and images showing persons who have allegedly been wounded or maimed in connection with the dispute.

The Prohibition Notice was issued under Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182).

Under the directive, both Earl International Limited and Nanlamtaaba Enterprise have been ordered to cease all mining operations at their respective sites in the Gbane area.

However, access to the affected underground operations will be permitted for essential activities, including dewatering and ventilation, to ensure that the sites remain safe during the suspension period.

The Commission has directed that the suspension remain in force for two weeks. During this period, the two companies are expected to engage the Deputy Minister responsible for the mining sector and officials of the Minerals Commission to find a resolution to the boundary dispute.

The companies have also been informed of their right to seek a review of the Prohibition Notice in accordance with the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012.

The directive comes amid growing concerns over the possible security and economic consequences of the disagreement, particularly because of the importance of mining activities to livelihoods in the Talensi District.

Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri, has called on all parties to comply with the Minerals Commission’s directive and pursue a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

He stressed the need to protect the image of the Upper East Region while safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend directly and indirectly on mining activities.

The Talensi District Chief Executive, John Millim, has also called for an urgent resolution of the dispute to prevent a prolonged disruption of mining activities and its potential impact on the local economy.

Meanwhile, the Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP John Ferguson Dzineku, has assured residents and stakeholders that the security agencies will continue to monitor developments and take steps to prevent the situation from escalating.

The Prohibition Notice has been copied to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Chief Director of the Ministry, the Environmental Protection Agency in the Upper East Region, the Talensi District Assembly, the Upper East Regional Police Command and other relevant institutions.

The two mining companies are expected to use the two-week suspension period to engage the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in Accra in an effort to reach a lasting resolution to the boundary dispute.

The Commission’s directive will remain in force until the expiry of the two-week period or until the matter is otherwise resolved in accordance with the applicable regulations.