The Paramount Chief and President of the Talensi Traditional Council, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nalebegtang, has created the awareness of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources regarding unauthorized individuals attempting to broker deals between the community and mining firms.
During a courtesy call by the Sector Minister at the Tongraana’s palace, the Tongraan addressed the rising interference of self-styled community representatives who, the Tongraan claims, lack the legal and cultural mandate to negotiate on behalf of the people.
The Paramount Chief was blunt in his assessment of certain individuals parading as community spokespersons. He characterized these groups as disrespectful and cautioned the government against giving them a platform.
“We are 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. Those people do not have such a mandate,” the Tongraan stated.
A key concern raised during the visit was the perceived attempt to turn community development and mining negotiations into political tools. Tongraan Kugbilsong Nalebegtang urged the Ministry to remain focused on formal channels rather than those seeking to incite friction.
The Chief emphasized that “discipline is the language” of successful negotiation. He noted that the Traditional Council is already in sync with authorized bodies to secure the community’s interests.
There is “no need to give attention” to those who seek to politicize local mining issues.
The Tongraan reassured the Minister that the community’s interests are being actively managed through the correct legal and administrative frameworks. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Traditional Council and the Regional Minister.
“We know what we are about and what we want to get from the mining companies as a community,” he affirmed. “Together with the Regional Minister and other authorized bodies, we are very close to getting what we want.”
The Minister’s visit forms part of a broader effort to streamline mining operations in the Talensi district and ensure that the community benefits directly from the natural resources within their land.