The Talensi Youth Parliament has subjected Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited (CNML) to intense scrutiny, demanding greater transparency in recruitment, equitable employment opportunities for youth, and stronger investments in community development.
The concerns were raised during a stakeholder engagement between the Youth Parliament and management of CNML held at the Talensi District Assembly Conference Hall in Tongo on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Speaker of the Talensi Youth Parliament, Clinton Bukari, said while the mining company has the potential to transform the district, its operations must translate into tangible benefits for the people of Talensi.
He called on the company to make its recruitment processes more transparent by clearly communicating job opportunities and selection procedures, while prioritizing qualified indigenes for employment, apprenticeships and skills training programmes.
Mr. Bukari also stressed the need for regular dialogue between CNML, the Youth Parliament and other stakeholders to build trust and resolve emerging concerns promptly.
He further advocated increased investments in education, healthcare, water systems and infrastructure, as well as fair opportunities for local contractors and suppliers to participate in mining-related businesses.
On environmental and safety issues, the Speaker insisted that CNML must maintain high standards and ensure communities are adequately consulted on matters affecting them.
The Majority Leader of the Talensi Youth Parliament, Philip Yeli-Oni, traced the history of mining in the district from the discovery of gold in Gbane in 1995 through the artisanal mining era to the current large-scale operations by multinational firms.
While acknowledging mining’s contribution to employment and local economic growth, he noted that the sector has also brought environmental degradation, mining-related accidents, crime and teenage pregnancies.
Minority Leader Tony Tambil urged CNML to comply with mining safety regulations and ensure equitable distribution of job opportunities among the youth.
Upper East Regional Director of the National Youth Authority, Francis Takyi-Koranteng, described CNML’s presence as a blessing but cautioned that inadequate corporate social responsibility could fuel discontent among unemployed youth.
He appealed to the company to prioritize the training and employment of local youth to reduce unemployment and migration in search of opportunities elsewhere.
Representing the Talensi Traditional Council, the Chief of Baare, Naab Nyakora Mantii, called for transparency in recruitment and urged the youth to seek clarification on mining issues instead of relying on speculation.
Responding to the concerns, the Superintendent for Corporate Social Responsibility at CNML, Godwin Sebil Bade-Daamir, said the company remains committed to fair and merit-based recruitment, local capacity building and community development.
He disclosed that as of June 2026, 45 percent of the company’s 2,266 workers were from the Upper East Region, adding that recruitment for unskilled and semi-skilled jobs is conducted through Community Employment Committees in affected communities.
Mr. Bade-Daamir also highlighted ongoing skills training programmes, including training women to operate heavy-duty mining equipment, and support for local businesses through outsourcing and supplier development initiatives.
The District Chief Executive for Talensi, John Millim Nabwomya, urged the youth to verify information before sharing it, warning that misinformation about mining activities could create unnecessary tensions and security concerns.
He commended the signing of a Corporate Social Responsibility framework involving traditional authorities, government and mining companies, and called on CNML to institutionalize regular engagements with the Talensi Youth Parliament.
The DCE further appealed to the company to support the rehabilitation of critical roads in the district and assist the Assembly with an official vehicle to enhance service delivery.
The engagement formed part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the mining company and stakeholders to ensure that mining contributes to inclusive and sustainable development in Talensi.
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