Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited (CNML), one of West Africa’s largest single-stream gold mines, based in the Talensi District in the Upper East Region, has signed a Social Responsibility Agreement (SRA) with stakeholders in the Talensi mining community.
The agreement, facilitated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a major step toward structured community engagement, local development financing, and sustainable mining relations.
The signing ceremony, held in Bolgatanga, is a major step toward strengthening trust between CNML and the Talensi mining community, with clear structures for development financing, participation, and accountability.
Historic Milestone
The President and General Manager of CNML, Jinquan Wang, described the signing as a defining moment in the company’s relationship with its host communities.
He said the agreement reflects CNML’s commitment to mutual trust, transparency, and shared progress.
“Today marks a historic milestone for Cardinal Namdini and the local communities we serve. With this Social Responsibility Agreement, we renew our commitment to listen, protect livelihoods, and work together in a spirit of trust, transparency and shared progress,” he said.
Mr Wang emphasised that development must remain inclusive and community-driven, noting that the mining project requires collective stewardship.
Framework
The company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Emmanuel Kofi Adusei, said the SRA was built around three key pillars: relationship management, local employment and a development foundation.
He noted that the agreement introduces the Cardinal Talensi Development Foundation, which will serve as a structured funding mechanism for community development.
“The key and critical part of this agreement is the development foundation. This framework establishes cash flow into the development programme of the project area,” he explained.
He added that a governance structure has been established, including a Board of Trustees comprising CNML, traditional leaders, community representatives, and the Talensi District Assembly.
A broader Social Responsibility Forum will also be created to determine annual development priorities across education, health, infrastructure, and socio-economic development.
Traditional Leaders Welcome Agreement
The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Naab Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, expressed optimism about the impact of the agreement on the future of the area.
He expressed hope that Talensi would witness significant transformation in the coming years through the implementation of the agreement.
Negotiations
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Prof. Michael Ayamga, highlighted the extensive negotiations that preceded the agreement, particularly regarding community compensation and benefit-sharing.
