Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited has dismissed allegations of sidelining Talensi indigenes in its recruitment drive, revealing that more than half of its Upper East workforce are natives of the Talensi District.
Responding to concerns raised by the Talensi Mining Communities Initiative (TAMCI), the company’s Community and Social Responsibility Manager, Emmanuel Kofi Adusei, disclosed that Cardinal currently employs 2,135 workers, of which 94 percent are Ghanaians and only 6 percent are expatriates mainly engaged for the commissioning phase of the gold project.
“Out of the 94 percent Ghanaian workforce, 50 percent are from the Upper East Region, and 56 percent of that figure are Talensi indigenes,” Mr. Adusei told journalists. “This demonstrates our deliberate commitment to ensure that people from the project area are not left out.”
He further explained that Community Employment Committees have been set up in Cardinal’s seven immediate host communities. These committees, made up of chiefs, Tindaamas, assembly members, women’s representatives, and youth leaders, oversee recruitment to ensure fairness and transparency.
“When there are vacancies, especially for semi-skilled and unskilled roles, these committees are our first point of reference. For highly skilled positions, we advertise nationally, but preference is always given to qualified locals,” Mr. Adusei clarified.
On TAMCI’s claims of poor engagement and neglect of social and environmental obligations, Mr. Adusei maintained that the company has open channels for dialogue and has invested significantly in community development. He cited resettlement projects, livelihood restoration programmes, and support for education, health, water, and sanitation as evidence of Cardinal’s commitment.
“Cardinal Namdini cannot employ everyone, but through initiatives like the Social Responsibility Agreement and the planned Development Foundation, more Talensi citizens will benefit from scholarships, infrastructure, and other social investments,” he said.
Mr. Adusei urged unity and constructive dialogue with traditional and district authorities, stressing that sustainable collaboration is key.
“We are here for business, but equally here to support the development of Talensi and the Upper East Region. If our people understand the project better, they will realize that it is designed to bring shared benefits,” he concluded.
