The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in the Upper East Region of Ghana has issued a letter to two major mining companies, Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd and Earl International Gold Group Gh Ltd, advising them not to attend a meeting regarding a purported social responsibility document.
The EPA is in the process of finalizing a Social Responsibility Agreement (SRA) with communities affected by these mining operations in the Talensi District Assembly.
According to the letter from the EPA, dated October 27, 2025, and signed by Prof. Michael Ayamga Adongo, Deputy Executive Officer, the document is currently being edited and will soon be ready for public engagement with relevant stakeholders for their understanding and acceptance.
The main focus of the letter is the proposed SRA between the communities of the Talensi District and the two mining companies. This agreement is part of the conditions attached to the permits issued to the mining companies and aims to establish a framework for their contributions to the sustainable development of the Talensi communities.
It also seeks to promote transparency and accountability within the mining sector. The EPA believes that this agreement will serve as a model for responsible mining practices in Ghana and improve the living conditions of the people in the Talensi communities.
The agency’s role is to mediate all such agreements, ensuring the formation of a robust mining governance system that promotes peace, unity, equity, inclusion, and fairness.
The distribution list for the letter includes various officials, such as the Regional Minister, the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Council, the District Chief Executive, and representatives from the mining companies.
Additionally, the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, Secretary Richard Sunday Yinbil has signed a letter indicating that over 28 members of a new group focused on the SRA have been selected. This letter requests a meeting to begin negotiations, with a team representing various groups set to inform all parties about the progress of their engagement.
The letter also requests that Mr. Richard Sunday Yinbil, the Traditional Secretary, contact the recipients to schedule a date for negotiations. Meanwhile, the Talensi Mining Communities Initiative (TAMCI) has expressed dissatisfaction, citing ongoing petitions and press conferences demanding accountability in the mining sector regarding the SRA.
They feel overlooked in the formation of the new group and have emphasized the need for additional input on an already SRA, which EPA is currently editing before submitting the agreement to the mining companies.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/ Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo.