President Nana Akufo-Addo on Friday officially inaugurated the Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd, a mine in Talensi, Upper East Region, celebrating its first gold pour and the beginning of what is expected to be a transformative economic boost for the area and the nation.

Cardinal Namdini, now the largest single-stream mining operation in West Africa, is projected to produce 300,000 ounces of gold annually during its first three years. This new capacity further establishes Ghana as a top global gold producer and reinforces its goal of becoming a leading mining hub in Africa.

President Akufo-Addo remarked on the importance of this achievement, describing it as a step forward in realizing the vision of positioning Ghana at the center of African mining activity.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo highlighted his administration’s commitment to expanding Ghana’s resource potential, especially by enhancing the capabilities of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to explore and identify new mining prospects.

"Today marks yet another significant milestone towards the realization of the vision to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa," he said, affirming that his administration has worked to create a robust environment to attract mining investments in northern Ghana.

The Cardinal Namdini project, situated in a region historically known for small-scale mining, showcases the significant mineral wealth that exists across the northern belt of Ghana. President Akufo-Addo emphasized that such investments are not only expanding mining operations to new areas but also meeting the government’s goals of job creation and economic empowerment.

He attributed the establishment of the mine to years of exploration and development, demonstrating that mineral resources exist well beyond Ghana’s southern regions, traditionally dominated by large-scale mining. "For years, this area and several others within this northern belt have only been known for small-scale mining. Large-scale firms have largely concentrated in the south," he noted. The President praised the mine's strategic impact, which has prompted additional plans for a large-scale mining project in the Upper West Region.

To support such developments, the government has expanded its support for the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and established Minerals Commission offices across the northern regions. These efforts are designed to facilitate regulation and further exploration, strengthening Ghana’s capacity as a top mining destination.

Looking to the future, President Akufo-Addo announced an amendment to the Minerals Development Fund Act, which would increase GGSA’s share of mineral royalties from 8% to 13%. This change, along with a dedicated $10 million annual budget for geological research, will support exploration and increase Ghana’s potential for resource discovery.

In addition to generating local employment, the new mine is expected to bring significant infrastructure improvements, including better roads, utilities, and community facilities. The President noted that Cardinal Namdini’s commitment to build an airport in Bolgatanga will benefit both the mining operations and the broader needs of the Upper East Region. He urged the company to adhere to strict environmental standards and regulatory practices to ensure sustainable development.

Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, spoke on the government’s broader mining strategy, highlighting initiatives to attract large-scale projects across northern Ghana and the ongoing construction of Minerals Commission offices equipped with modern laboratories. He emphasized that the ministry is focused not only on increased production but also on value addition, with the establishment of gold and manganese refineries to transform raw minerals into finished products for the benefit of the Ghanaian economy.

The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, expressed pride in China’s role as a strategic partner in Ghana’s mining sector. The Cardinal Namdini project, backed by a $1 billion investment, is a testament to China’s commitment to developing Ghana’s resources and supporting the country’s economic growth.