The Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, has cautioned the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, against engaging individuals he described as “disrespectful and unauthorized” persons claiming to represent the Talensi people in dealings with mining companies.
According to the revered traditional leader, some individuals within the district have been presenting themselves as negotiators with mining firms without the approval of the Traditional Council—a situation he warned could undermine ongoing engagements and create unnecessary tension within the community.
“We are also to inform you about some disrespectful and very insulting persons in the community who are parading around as people who think they have the mandate to negotiate with the mining companies,” he stated.
“We want to make it clear that those people do not have such a mandate.”
Tongraan Nanlebegtang made these remarks when the Minister paid a courtesy call on the Talensi Traditional Council during his working visit to the Upper East Region.
He urged the Minister and other government officials to disregard such individuals, particularly when their actions appear to politicise issues relating to mining and community development.
“There is no need to give attention to such people, especially when they make it look like they are politicising issues,” he stressed.
The Paramount Chief reaffirmed that the Traditional Council remains the legitimate body representing the interests of the Talensi people in all engagements with mining companies. He added that discussions with key stakeholders are progressing steadily and yielding promising outcomes.
“We know what we are about and what we want to get from the mining companies as a community,” he noted.
“Together with the Regional Minister and other authorized bodies, we are very close to getting what we want, and we believe discipline is the language.”
Tongraan Nanlebegtang further disclosed that the Traditional Council is currently in advanced discussions with large-scale mining companies operating in the district toward the signing of a Social Responsibility Agreement (SRA).
He explained that once finalized, the agreement would formalize the obligations of mining companies to support community development through structured and regulated contributions.
“This will open the way for effective and agreed social support from the mining companies by way of allocated funds for general development such as road construction, employment, and skills training for local people,” he said.
The Chief emphasised that a coordinated and disciplined approach to negotiations is essential to securing long-term benefits for the Talensi people. He therefore called on all stakeholders to respect established structures and due processes to ensure sustainable development in the area.
Source: BlueWaves Radio 93.7 FM/ Maurice Duncan/ Bolgatanga
