Government recommends creation of new district for Akwatia

Akwatia, Aug. 23, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama, on Tuesday= , announced that government had recommended to Parliament to create a new district out of the Kwabiberim district in the Eastern Region. He said the new Assembly, with Akwatia as its capital, would be called "The Denkyebuo" (Diamond) district.

He said it would help create opportunities for the development of the diamond-rich area. Vice President Mahama announced this when he inaugurated the repackage= d Ghana Consolidated Diamonds Limited to commence operations in Akwatia. The Company, now christened 93Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limit= ed" was closed down a couple of years ago due mainly to logistical and financia= l challenges, but now revived by a Ghanaian Company, which would take over th= e operations and Management.

Apart from their basic role of mining diamonds, the company would also diversify into agriculture, construction, engineering, building recreationa= l facilities, security, health care, capacity building and diamond cutting an= d polishing, which is expected to employ over 50,000 people in the area. Vice President Mahama said the creation of a district and revival of the Diamonds Company would reinvigorate commercial activities and transform the area into an economically viable district in the years to come. He commended the company for including small scale miners into the operational plans, adding that, such a move could reduce the high level of environmental degradation and pollution created by their activities in the past.

The Vice President also announced that government had earmarked the re-surfacing of the Suhum-Asamankese, Adogyiri-Asamankese and the new Abire= m roads to open up the areas to commercial activities and help in the carting of foodstuff from the producing to marketing centres. Dr Kwesi Akyem Apea-Kubi, Eastern Regional Minister pleaded with the Management of the new Company to absorb old workers, who were still capable of performing, since they could capitalise on their vast experience. He encouraged them to adhere to their social responsibilities towards communities that fall within their operational area by supporting them to achieve their development goals.

He also called for cooperation between the company and other stakeholders to ensure a mutual benefit to all parties in the industry. Mr Ford Kamel, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources called on all mining companies in the country to enforce the mining guidelines in order to avoid the development leakages that were recorded in the past. He said government was currently working out a development plan with Precious Minerals Commission to set up a diamond cutting and polishing plan= t in the area for both domestic and international markets. Okyehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, who chaired the function, called for a cordial working relationship between the management and staff for the development to the entire region.