The Talensi community and Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited (CNML) have signed a landmark Social Responsibility Agreement (SRA) aimed at ensuring inclusive development, local participation, and sustainable benefits from mining activities in the Talensi District.
The agreement, signed in the presence of traditional authorities, government officials, regulators, youth groups, community-based organisations, and representatives of the Minerals Commission, establishes a framework for cooperation between the mining company and the host district while creating mechanisms to channel resources into local development projects.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs and people of the Talensi Traditional Area, the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area and President of the Talensi Traditional Council, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, expressed gratitude to Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), traditional leaders, and government officials for their commitment to the process.
He urged all stakeholders to support the implementation of the agreement to ensure it delivers the anticipated benefits to the people of Talensi.
“I think that all I have to say is just one thing: we should all try our best to support what we have done today and ensure that it yields the fruits that we all think it would,” the Paramount Chief stated.
According to him, the agreement has the potential to transform the district through the implementation of numerous development projects that will improve the lives of residents and contribute to the overall growth of the Upper East Region.
“We should pray that we all live to see the fruits of this agreement,” he added.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited, Mr. Jinquan Wang, described the signing as a historic milestone in the relationship between the company and the host communities.
He said the agreement reaffirmed the company’s commitment to listening to community concerns, protecting livelihoods, and working in partnership with stakeholders to promote sustainable development.
“We recognise that development must be inclusive, rooted in community priorities, guided by mutual respect and delivered with accountability,” Mr. Wang said.
He commended traditional leaders and community representatives for their patience, unity, and constructive engagement throughout the negotiation process.
The CEO likened the mining project to a young child that requires the support and care of all stakeholders to grow and create lasting benefits for future generations.
“Let this Social Responsibility Agreement be more than a document. Let it be a living partnership that creates lasting value for everyone,” he said.
Providing details of the agreement, Professor Michael Ayamga, Deputy Director in Charge of Operations at the Environmental Protection Agency, explained that the SRA consists of three major components: a relationship agreement, a local employment agreement, and a development foundation arrangement.
According to him, the relationship agreement defines how the company and local communities will engage with each other, while the local employment agreement seeks to maximise employment opportunities for residents of the area.
He noted that the most significant aspect of the arrangement is the establishment of the Cardinal Talensi Development Foundation, which will serve as a sustainable funding mechanism for development projects within the district.
“This foundation provides a framework that guarantees continuous funding for development activities in the project area,” Prof. Ayamga explained.
He said the foundation would be managed through a transparent governance structure involving a Board of Trustees made up of representatives of Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited, traditional authorities, local communities, and the Talensi District Assembly.
In addition, a Social Responsibility Forum comprising representatives from communities across the eastern, central, and western sections of Talensi will serve as the highest decision-making body under the arrangement.
The forum will identify and prioritise community development needs annually, while a dedicated secretariat will coordinate implementation with oversight from the trustees.
Prof. Ayamga said the agreement focuses on key development areas, including education, healthcare, roads, and other infrastructure, as well as socio-economic empowerment initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth in the district.
He stressed that the agreement does not replace the company’s corporate social responsibility obligations, noting that Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited would continue to undertake additional development initiatives beyond the provisions of the SRA.
Among such initiatives, he highlighted an agricultural project being developed by the company to promote alternative livelihoods and create economic opportunities beyond mining.
Director in Charge of Mining at the EPA, Engineer Michael Ali Sandow, said the signing of the agreement marked the beginning rather than the end of the process.
He explained that the next phase would involve developing an implementation roadmap and establishing the various governance structures outlined in the agreement.
These include the Social Responsibility Forum, the Board of Trustees, and the secretariat of the Talensi Development Foundation, all of which will work together to ensure the effective execution of agreed development programmes.
Engineer Sandow praised the collaborative spirit that characterised the negotiations and described the agreement as a home-grown solution developed by stakeholders from northern Ghana.
He urged all parties to embrace unity and reconciliation as implementation begins.
“This is not a victory for any group. It is a victory for Talensi. Let us make good use of it for the benefit of our generation and generations yet unborn,” he said.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Member of Parliament for Talensi, Daniel Dung Mahama; the Talensi District Chief Executive, John Nabwomya Millim; members of the Talensi Traditional Council; religious and youth associations; community-based organisations; and representatives of the Minerals Commission.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the agreement will provide a strong foundation for responsible mining, community development, and improved livelihoods throughout the Talensi District.
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