Cardinal Mining Pledges $10M Gold Exploration, Airport Development in Upper East Region

Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has called for stronger collaboration between mining firms and local communities to curb resistance and boost employment in the region.

The appeal came during a courtesy visit by Cardinal Mining officials, led by Chairman Tang Zhenjiang, who outlined ambitious plans, including a $10 million gold exploration project and the construction of a regional airport.

Zhenjiang emphasized the company’s commitment to compliance, corporate social responsibility, and partnerships with government and host communities.

He revealed that Cardinal Mining has already constructed a solar farm within its lease area, with plans to support agriculture beneath the panels by introducing high-yield seeds from China.

However, the company faces challenges, with some communities blocking exploration activities. Zhenjiang appealed for the minister’s intervention to sensitize locals on the benefits of the project, which promises job creation and infrastructure development.

Hon. Akamugri acknowledged the company’s efforts but stressed the need for local inclusion in employment opportunities to reduce tensions.

He also urged further discussions on the proposed airport to align it with existing government plans, noting that land had been allocated decades ago for a similar project.

“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.”

“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 said

Additionally, the minister welcomed Cardinal Mining’s agricultural initiatives, linking them to the national “Feed Ghana” program, and proposed collaboration on mechanization and seed distribution.

“This present government has launched a project called Feed Ghana. Feed Ghana means we are going to go into Agric and produce enough so that we can feed our people instead of going to import,” he said.

“We have an intention of organizing district mechanization centers where farmers where farmers will have all the needed inputs, whether be it equipments or inputs like seeds for planting. All these will need your partnership,” he further noted.

He also encouraged the expansion of the solar project beyond Talensi to enhance security.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for the minister to tour Cardinal Mining’s operations, described as the largest-scale mine in Ghana.