Ghana has taken a significant step towards solidifying its position as Africa's leading gold producer with the commissioning of Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd the third largest Mine in the countryPresident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-AGddo on Friday, November 8, 2024 witnessed the pouring of the mine's first gold to mark the official opening in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region.The operationalization of Cardinal Namdini, which is the largest single-stream Mine in the West African sub-region, is expected to consolidate Ghana's position as one of the world's leading gold producers, with projections that the company will produce three hundred thousand ounces (300,000 oz) annually in the first three years.Delivering a speech at the commissioning, President Akufo-Addo stated that the establishment of the Mine marks another great step towards positioning Ghana as a premier hub for mining activities in Africa.He disclosed that his government, since its inception in 2017, has embarked on a mission to expand Ghana's natural resource base and that the Ghana Geological Survey Authority has received enormous support and funding to actualize this vision.He stated that the setting up of Cardinal Namdini Mine is indicative of the wealth of mineral resources embedded in the northern part of the country and that these resources will be harnessed for the growth of the area and the country.He believes that the creation of the Cardinal Namdini Mine is a significant step by the government towards fulfilling its promise to Ghanaians to create jobs and empower citizens economically."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."Enumerating the achievements of his government in the mining sector, President Akufo-Addo noted that his government has, since its inception, worked diligently to create the enabling environment and legal framework for mining companies to thrive in the country.He mentioned the consistent and improved financial support of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and the establishment of offices of the Minerals Commission in Tamale, Wa, Bolgatanga, and Bole as instructive and important measures taken by the government to make Northern Ghana the face of mining 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.