The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, has cautioned the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, against engaging with individuals he described as “disrespectful and unauthorized” persons purporting to represent the interests of the Talensi people in dealings with mining companies.
According to the Chief, some individuals in the district have been presenting themselves as negotiators with mining firms despite lacking the mandate of the Traditional Council, a development he warned could undermine ongoing engagements and create unnecessary tensions.
“We are also to inform you about some disrespectful and very insulting persons in the community who are parading around as people who think they have the mandate to negotiate with the mining companies,” he said. “We want to make it clear that those people do not have such a mandate.”
Tongraan Nanlebegtang made the remarks when the Minister paid a courtesy call on the Talensi Traditional Council as part of his working visit to the Upper East Region.
He urged the Minister and other government officials not to give attention to such individuals, particularly when their actions appear to politicize issues surrounding mining and community development.
“There is no need to give attention to such people, especially when they make it look like they are politicising issues,” he stressed.
The Paramount Chief reaffirmed that the Traditional Council remains the legitimate body representing the interests of the people in engagements with mining companies, adding that discussions with stakeholders are progressing steadily.
“We know what we are about and what we want to get from the mining companies as a community,” he stated. “Together with the Regional Minister and other authorized bodies, we are very close to getting what we want, and we believe discipline is the language.”
Tongraan Nanlebegtang further disclosed that the Traditional Council is currently in advanced discussions with large-scale mining companies operating in the district toward the signing of a Social Responsibility Agreement (SRA).
He explained that the agreement, once finalized, would formalize the commitment of mining companies to support community development through structured and regulated contributions.
“This will open the way for effective and agreed social support from the mining companies by way of allocated funds for general development such as road construction, employment, and skills training for local people,” he said.
The Chief emphasized that a coordinated and disciplined approach to negotiations is essential to securing long-term benefits for the Talensi people, urging all stakeholders to respect established structures and processes.
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