Earl International Group guards held hostage at Gbane mine

Two private security guards from Earl International Mining Group were held hostage in an underground mine at Gbane, located in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, while the guards were on duty. The perpetrators are believed to be illegal miners.

The situation follows a recent dispute between Earl Group and Nalaamtaba Enterprise regarding portions of the mining concession, which the Minerals Commission had attempted to resolve a week prior. Earl International Mining Group reports that the illegality has escalated, with dozens of individuals identifying as workers of Nalaamtaba Enterprise allegedly invading underground workings with weapons, including guns and cutlasses, to occupy active production areas.

While state security agencies in the Upper East Region have since intervened to calm the situation, the company is calling on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission to enforce a Cease and Vacate Order. The company warned that the continued encroachment threatens major mining investments and worker safety.