If you are from the Upper East Region and you have started jubilating after the news of constructing an airport broke, please, kindly calm down with your jubilation because information gathered by Apexnewsgh.com has it that the company is not in to construct any airport for the region as speculated across the universe but rather airstrip for their mining activity.
Somewhere, in September 2023, it was in almost all local media platforms within and outside the region that Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd is to construct airport for Upper East Region and immediately and the news broke, it was shared and post across all social media platforms but unfortunately, what seems to be good news later tuned to false reportage by the media. This was according to Steve Ofori Asamoah, the company’s Project Manager. This simply means, Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd had never promised constructing any airport to the people of Upper East Region.
On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, Apexnewsgh reached out to one of Cardinal’s top officials, Mr. Baba Sulemana, to gather more information regarding the apparent good news for the region – the construction of an airport. Surprisingly, Mr. Sulemana expressed uncertainty about this project. However, after the conversation ended, he called back to inform me that he had consulted his superiors, who clarified that it was merely an “intent” at this point. This means that constructing an airport is something they have in mind, but no decision has been made yet.
Meanwhile, in our continued efforts to seek further clarification from the company, on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen from Apexnewsgh contacted Mr. Steve Ofori Asamoah, the company’s Project Manager. Regrettably, Mr. Asamoah’s response was shocking, as he stated that the information reported by the media regarding their decision to construct airport was entirely false.
“The people carried out false information and am not in to give you any clarification because if news people came to site, the important thing we say about gold mine they didn’t say it, but they went out and say I said we will construct airport for Bolga”. He told Ngamegbulam Chidozie
In response to recent inaccurate reports, Mr. Ofori clarified that the Minister had mentioned the government procuring 10 acres of land for an airstrip, not an airport. He expressed frustration that journalists had misinterpreted his words. Mr. Ofori referred the media to the communication department for further information.
Additionally, during a discussion with the Chief of Baare, Naab Nyaakora Mantii, it was revealed that Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd only intended to construct an airstrip for their own company’s use, not an airport. The Chief kindly requested that the company consider making the airstrip available for commercial purposes.
The Chief believes constructing an airport will open up the area and also improve our economic situation. “Our women will definitely sell; some will get employment there. So, I am pleading if Cardinal could help government by making it a commercial one. So, the monies government would have used to construct an airport in the region, will be used for an equally important projects and that would have meant that they are using one stone to kill two birds.
Cardinal’s intention to construct an airport in Bolgatanga is in question. When asked if the construction is for commercial purposes, the Baare Chief replied that it is not. He explained that the airport is private and urged Cardinal to make it public.
In light of a publication titled “Shandong Gold pledges to pour first gold in 2024 and construct new airport in Bolgatanga,” Mr. Hang Li, the General Manager of Shandong Gold Group, the parent company of Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd, confirmed that the company is indeed planning to build an airport in Bolgatanga. The aim is to improve transportation to and from the region. Mr. Li mentioned that discussions are already underway with relevant stakeholders, and they hope to start the project soon. Mr. Jinapor also stated that the government is fully supportive and committed to assisting the company in ensuring that gold production starts as early as next year.
The issue of constructing a regional airport for the people of Upper East Region in the past, has witnessed a lot of politics over the years which has prevented the region from having their share of the airport.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana
For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
