The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, has firmly rejected claims that large-scale mining companies operating in Talensi are in the district to “exploit the people and take the gold away.” He described such assertions as propaganda meant to fuel misconceptions and undermine constructive engagement between the community and investors.
Tongraan made the remarks when the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, paid a courtesy call on him at his palace. The visit formed part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between mining companies and host communities.
Addressing the delegation, Tongraan said the people of Talensi were fully aware of the responsibilities and obligations of the two large-scale mining companies, Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited and Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited.
According to him, contrary to misinformation circulating within some quarters, the community has been closely involved in all stages of negotiations—particularly concerning social responsibility agreements.
“Some people have a feeling that large-scale mining companies are here to exploit and take the gold away. It is a kind of propaganda that is quite negative. In today’s world, people are so enlightened. We in Talensi cannot sit down for any company to make that mistake,” he stressed.
He disclosed that negotiations for a concurrence agreement and a comprehensive social responsibility framework with Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited were far advanced.
The chief noted that in order to promote transparency and avert suspicion, the traditional council expanded its negotiation team from a typical nine-member delegation to about 35 representatives, including chiefs, Tindaamas, and youth leaders.
“We want everybody to partake and understand what is going on. Even if you don’t understand, you will listen and be told,” he added.
While acknowledging the economic benefits of mining, the Tongraan admitted that gold-related activities had come with new challenges, including the emergence of armed robbery due to increased cash flow in the area.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Tongo
