The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is set to commission the Cardinal Namdini Mining project, the largest gold mining company in the northern region of the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, during his tour of the mining site on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The Cardinal Namdini project, located in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, marks a significant milestone in the history of Ghana’s mineral resource development. It is the first large-scale gold mine in the northern part of the country, a feat Hon. Jinapor called “historic.”
“In the first week of November, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will commission this mine and pour the first gold here at the Cardinal Namdini project.
“It is going to be the third-largest mine in our country and one of the largest mines in Africa.”
Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
The project is not only monumental in size but also in economic impact. Once fully operational, it will further cement Ghana’s position as one of the leading gold producers in the world, second only to South Africa on the continent.
Ghana has long been recognized for its rich gold deposits, and the new mine is expected to contribute significantly to the nation’s economy through increased revenue from exports.
Ghana’s Growing Reputation as a Mining Hub
Ghana’s mining industry has evolved over the past decades, with gold as its most valuable export. The country surpassed South Africa as the continent’s leading gold producer in recent years.
The Cardinal Namdini Mining project is the latest in a series of ventures that have been pivotal in reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as a premier destination for mining investment in Africa.
Hon. Jinapor emphasized the significance of the Cardinal Namdini project, which represents the first major greenfield gold mining development in Ghana in nearly a decade.
Unlike brownfield projects that focus on expansion, a greenfield project like Cardinal Namdini is built from the ground up, demonstrating Ghana’s capability to initiate large-scale mining operations.
“It will also strengthen Ghana’s status as the mining hub of Africa where all mining-related activities take place,” Hon. Jinapor remarked during his visit.
Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd. has invested heavily in state-of-the-art mining equipment and technology to ensure the project’s success.
Steve Ofori, the Project Manager at Cardinal Namdini, assured the media that the mine would operate in compliance with all environmental and safety protocols. “We have received approvals from all relevant regulators, including the EPA, and we are fully committed to mining responsibly,” he stated.
Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
The commissioning of the Cardinal Namdini Gold Mine is expected to have far-reaching economic implications.
As Hon. Jinapor noted, the project will bolster Ghana’s national economy, providing substantial foreign exchange earnings through the export of gold.
He further emphasized that the project will create thousands of jobs, offering employment opportunities for the youth in the Talensi District and beyond.
The local community, including its traditional leaders, are optimistic about the positive changes the mine will bring. The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Kugbilsong Nanlebeglang, expressed excitement about the upcoming commissioning, calling it a “game-changer” for the area.
“We are hopeful that this project will not only create massive employment opportunities for our people but will also lead to significant infrastructural and developmental improvements in the area.”
Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Kugbilsong Nanlebeglang
The Minister took the opportunity to commend the leadership of Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd, along with his own Ministry and the Minerals Commission, for the hard work and consistency shown in bringing the project to this point.
He lauded the company’s adherence to environmental standards and safety regulations, highlighting the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in ensuring the project’s approval.
READ ALSO: MTN Ghana and NewGold ETF Boost GSE Composite Index Amid Market Decline
