A group, calling itself Akwatia Development Association, is accusing new management of Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited (GCDGL)-Akwatia Diamond Company Limited- of shortchanging them.
The group claims the company, Great Consolidated Ghana Diamond Limited (GCGDL), has failed to honour all its promises to the chiefs and people of the Eastern regional mining town, Akwatia.
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The new management took over the operations of GCGDL on August 23, 2011, with a promise to invest $100 million in a five-year period and produce one million carats of diamonds every year within the period.
The company also reportedly promised to create 2,500 direct jobs and 50,000 indirect jobs for support services.
But, after years in operation, these promises by the new management of GCGDL, according the Association, are yet to see the light of day.
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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem segment, Fabewoso, Vice President of the Akwatia Development Association, Kojo Obeng Darko said they feel cheated.
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“The divestiture committee gave the property to Great Consolidated Diamonds Limited in 2011. They have not fulfilled a single thing they promised in their proposal. What they have been doing is to destroy the number 10 and 11 plants that were built by the Europeans. The lands are being sold, concessions are being sold and even the sand is also being sold, the sand which is supposed to be used to reclaim the mine lands,” he bemoaned.
Mr Darko said Akwatia is dying slowly due to the failure of the new management to revive the GCDGL.
He noted that, the youth have become jobless, since their only form of livelihood was the company.
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In support, the Denkyembour District Chief Executive, Seth Birikorang Ofosu said the abrogation of the contract was long overdue.
He indicated that the situation is totally unacceptable and urged the government to take a major decision on the GCDGL saga to bring respite to the people of Akwatia .
Source: Ghana | Adomonline.com | Adwoa Gyasiwaa Agyeman
