The Honorable Akamugri Donatus Atanga, Upper East Regional Minister, has emphasized the need for increased cooperation. He believes this cooperation should be between mining companies and local communities. This partnership will help reduce resistance towards mining activities and promote employment opportunities in the region.
During a courtesy visit to Cardinal Mining, led by Chairman Tang Zhenjiang, officials discussed the company’s ambitious plans. These include a $10 million gold exploration project and the construction of a regional airport. Zhenjiang stressed the company’s dedication to compliance, corporate social responsibility, and collaborations with government and host communities. Additionally, he mentioned that Cardinal Mining has already built a solar farm within its lease area. The company also plans to introduce high-yield seeds from China. This is to support agriculture underneath the panels.
Zhenjiang asked the minister to help educate locals about the project’s advantages. The project guarantees employment opportunities and improves infrastructure. In recognition of the efforts made by the company, Hon. Akamugri emphasized the importance of involving local individuals in employment opportunities to mitigate tensions. He also recommended further dialogue on the proposed airport. This ensures it aligns with current government plans. The land was previously allocated for a similar project many years ago.
“There are lots of efforts here. In fact, there some lands that were allocated for the construction of the airport some 30 years ago, and nothing has happened,” he noted.
“In recent days you can see that, if you have been following social media, some communities members have been trying to take up the mantle by themselves and trying to support by clearing the land round-way. That shows how the airport is so dear to the people of this region,” he stated.
Furthermore, the minister applauded Cardinal Mining for their agricultural efforts and connected them to the country’s “Feed Ghana” campaign. They also suggested partnering on mechanization and providing seeds.
The current NDC administration has introduced a program called Feed Ghana. It aims to focus on agriculture and increase domestic food production. This will reduce our reliance on imports and ensure our citizens are well-fed.
“We have an intention of organizing district mechanization centers where farmers where farmers will have all the needed inputs, whether be it equipment or inputs like seeds for planting. All these will need your partnership,” he added.
He also pushed for extending the solar project beyond Talensi to strengthen security measures.
The minister was invited to tour Cardinal Mining’s operations, which were described as the largest-scale mine in Ghana. The meeting concluded with this invitation.
