President Nana Akufo-Addo has expressed confidence that northern Ghana will become a key center for the country’s mining industry, following the commissioning of the Cardinal Namdini Mine in the Upper East Region and the construction of another large-scale mine in the Upper West Region.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Cardinal Mine, Akufo-Addo emphasized the role of regulatory agencies in managing the region’s rise as a major mining hub.
“This mine we commission today is evidence of the power of exploration as the lifeblood of the mining industry,” Akufo-Addo said, adding that for years, northern Ghana was overlooked by large mining companies, which concentrated operations in the south.
“It is investments in exploration that led to the construction of this mine, which we are told today will become the third largest in the country and one of the largest single-stream gold mines in West Africa.”
Cardinal Namdini, with an investment of US$1.1 billion by China’s Shandong Mining Group, is projected to produce 300,000 ounces of gold annually during its first three years, positioning it as Ghana’s third-largest mining operation.
The project highlights the government’s broader strategy to expand mining activities in the north, where traditionally only small-scale mining was viable.
It is in line with this that the President anticipates that in the coming years, the north will play a central role in Ghana’s mining future, bringing economic growth, local development, and thousands of jobs to Talensi and surrounding areas.
President Akufo-Addo praised the government’s efforts in creating a favourable business climate, saying that these policies led to the revival of the country’s dormant mines, including Obuasi and Bibiani, and spurred new investments across the sector.
He disclosed plans by the company to construct an airport in Bolgatanga, to aid their mining operations, and serve the needs of the people of the Upper East Region.
“Government is ready to provide all the necessary support to the Company in this project, which will, undoubtedly, enhance the quality of life for residents and support broader regional development,” he added.
The President charged the company to employ the best mining practices and adhere to all environmental and other regulatory standards, for a safe and sustainable mining operation.
He acknowledged that it is investment in exploration, that led to the construction of Cardinal Namdini Mine, “which we are told today, will become the third largest mine in the country, and one of the largest single stream gold mines in West Africa.”
To this end, he stressed the commitment of the government to resource the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), to undertake more exploration to identify more mineable lands and block out more lands for small-scale mining.
He said since 2017, the government has increased budget allocations to the Authority, refurbished its headquarters, and announced plans to amend the Minerals Development Fund Act to raise the agency’s share of mineral royalties from 8% to 13%.
Also, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Jinapor, speaking at the commissioning ceremony which also marked the first gold pour of Cardinal Namdini Mine, noted that the project is the first greenfield mine in the country since 2013 when Newmont Akyem poured its first gold.
He said efforts continue to add value to mineral resources and translate these volumes of minerals into wealth for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.
Given this he mentioned the recently constructed and commissioned 400 kilograms capacity gold refinery, to refine the gold produced in the country.
He also announced the upcoming construction of the US$450 million manganese refinery at Nsuta in the Western Region, to be funded by the parent company of Ghana Manganese Company.
These developments, he said, will consolidate the country’s position as the leading producer of gold on the continent, and the undisputed mining hub in Africa.
