President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially commissioned Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd, the largest single-stream gold mine in West Africa and Ghana’s third-largest mine, marking a new chapter in the country's mining industry.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Friday in the Talensi district of the Upper East Region, included the symbolic pouring of the mine’s first gold.
Cardinal Namdini is projected to produce 300,000 ounces of gold annually for its first three years, reinforcing Ghana’s position as Africa’s leading gold producer.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the mine's launch as a key milestone in Ghana's ambitions to establish itself as a premier mining hub in Africa, fostering job creation and local development.
"Today, we take another giant step toward the vision of Ghana as the continent’s mining hub, where all mining activities, from exploration to production, and from research to innovation, are centered," President Akufo-Addo said.
He credited his administration’s initiatives since 2017 for strengthening Ghana's natural resources sector, emphasizing substantial investments in the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to broaden Ghana’s exploration capabilities.
“This mine’s creation is a testament to the wealth of mineral resources in Ghana’s north, an area that will now play a significant role in Ghana’s economic growth,” he noted.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the shift of large-scale mining to northern Ghana, noting that for many years, small-scale mining had dominated the region while major operations focused on the south.
He attributed the establishment of Cardinal Namdini to increased exploration efforts, which have uncovered significant resources in the north.
Additionally, the President announced plans to increase funding for the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, amending the Minerals Development Fund Act to boost its allocation from mineral royalties from 8% to 13%.
He revealed that, starting next year, a $10 million annual allocation will support ongoing geological investigations.
The mine’s opening aligns with the government's broader vision for job creation and economic empowerment, President Akufo-Addo said, emphasizing the mine’s potential to catalyze local infrastructure development, including roads, utilities, and community facilities.
Notably, Cardinal Namdini’s parent company, Shandong Gold Group, has pledged to build an airport in Bolgatanga to enhance accessibility for mining operations and benefit the broader Upper East Region.
The President underscored the importance of adhering to Ghana’s mining regulations, calling on Cardinal Namdini to meet high standards for safe and sustainable operations.
"As you begin production, I expect you to uphold best practices in mining, ensuring that environmental and regulatory standards are met,” he emphasized.
Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, detailed further government efforts to support large-scale mining in northern Ghana.
He announced the construction of a five-story regional office complex for the Minerals Commission in Tamale, equipped with a laboratory to support the regulatory needs of emerging mines.
To boost local gold value addition, Minister Jinapor outlined plans for a new $450 million manganese refinery at Nsuta in the Western Region, set to start soon under the parent company of Ghana Manganese Company.
He also highlighted the recent commissioning of a 400-kilogram gold refinery, which will help process Ghana’s gold locally, translating mineral wealth into economic benefits for citizens.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, attended the event and lauded President Akufo-Addo's dedication to the mining sector and commitment to strengthening Ghana-China relations.
He noted that China has invested over $1 billion in the Cardinal Namdini mine, which underscores its role as Ghana's strategic partner in mining.
“China’s presence in Ghana’s mining sector represents a significant commitment to employment and sectoral development,” Ambassador Defa remarked, reinforcing the partnership’s benefits for both nations.
As the largest single-stream gold mine in West Africa, Cardinal Namdini represents a transformative step for Ghana’s mining sector, set to create jobs, drive local development, and affirm Ghana’s status as Africa’s top gold producer.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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