Ghana has reinforced its status as Africa’s top gold producer by inaugurating Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited, now the country’s third-largest mine.
The mine’s first gold pour marked its official opening on November 8, 2024, led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the Talensi district of the Upper East Region.
This mine, the largest single-stream operation in West Africa, is projected to boost Ghana’s global position in gold production, with an estimated annual output of 300,000 ounces over its initial three years.
In his remarks at the opening, President Akufo-Addo described the mine’s establishment as a milestone in positioning Ghana as Africa’s premier mining destination. He noted that since taking office in 2017, his administration has focused on broadening the nation’s resource base, investing in the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to bring this vision to life.
The President also highlighted that Cardinal Namdini’s development underscores the mineral wealth of Ghana’s northern region, pledging that these resources will foster both local and national growth. He emphasized that the mine’s establishment reflects the government’s promise to create jobs and economically empower citizens across the country.
“Today marks yet another significant milestone towards the realization of the vision to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa, where all mining and mining-related activities, from exploration to downstream production, and from research to innovation, would be centered”, he said.
“This Mine we commission today is evidence of the power of exploration as the lifeblood of the mining industry. For years, this area, and several other areas within this northern belt of our country, have only been known for small-scale mining.
Large-scale mining firms have concentrated on the south, largely influenced by the literature that links gold only to the south of our nation”, he added.
“It is investment in exploration that led to the construction of this 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. And I am thrilled to learn that apart from this remarkable mine, another large-scale mine is under construction in the Upper West Region.”
Highlighting his administration’s achievements in the mining sector, President Akufo-Addo emphasized its dedication to fostering a supportive environment and robust legal framework for mining companies to prosper in Ghana.
He pointed to the increased financial backing for the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the establishment of Minerals Commission offices in Tamale, Wa, Bolgatanga, and Bole as significant steps taken to position Northern Ghana as a prominent hub for mining activities in the country.
“Since 2017, we have increased budgetary allocation to the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to undertake more exploration to identify mineable lands, both for small and large-scale mining. Additionally, we have refurbished the office of the Authority, which was commissioned by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources last week, to provide a conducive environment for staff of the Authority to carry out their operations.
“To ensure the provision of adequate resources for geological investigations, we are amending the Minerals Development Fund Act, 2016 (Act 912) to increase the allocation to the Authority from mineral royalties from eight percent (8%) to thirteen percent (13%). And from next year, God willing, the Government of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will allocate Ten Million United States Dollars (US$10,000,000.00) annually to the Authority to support their geological investigations.
The establishment of new Regional and District Offices for the Minerals Commission in Tamale, Wa, Bolgatanga, and Bole comes at a critical juncture.
With the launch of this mine and the construction of another in the Upper West Region, northern Ghana is poised to emerge as the new frontier of mining in the country. Regulatory agencies must now be prepared to rise to the demands and challenges that lie ahead in supporting this transformation.
“As we commission this mine and pour its first gold, we are fulfilling our commitment to creating a brighter future for the people of Ghana, including Talensi and its environs. It will create jobs, foster local development, and contribute significantly to both the local and national economy.
It will bring about a transformative change in this area, providing opportunities for growth and development that will benefit generations to come,” he said.
