GDCL Will Not Collapse Under My Watch — Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo has stated that the Consolidated Diamond limited in Akwatia will not collapse under his government.

According to him, his government will do it possible to revamp the activities of GCDL to create more employment for the youth.

Addressing Chiefs and people of Akwatia in the Denkyembour district of the Eastern region as part of his three days visit to the region, the president reinstated his support in transforming the country.

The President said, government has the company heavily at heart and that will not allow petty issues to collapse it. “If today, there’s an issue with the lease agreement, then it is my duty to conduct investigations and resolve it.”

The president who was with the minister for trade and industry said its part of moves to see how best to revive it to create employment in Akwatia.

“I have come here today with the minister for trade to see that what’s happening here is my priority and that whatever government needs to be done will be done to improve better future for the people of Akwatia will manifest, the president assured," he emphasised.

The government abrogated the contract awarded to Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited (GCDGL) in 2011 to mine diamonds at Akwatia for breach of contract.

The company failed to fulfil its core mandate of paying $17 million to the Divestiture Implementation Committee (DIC), as well as rehabilitating and refurbishing facilities at the mines to enhance production.

A nine-member interim management committee (IMC) has been formed, with Mr Samuel Bonsu Attakorah, a former employee of the erstwhile Ghana Consolidated Diamonds (GCD), as the acting Managing Director, to oversee the operations of the mines, while the government looks for a competent investor to take over the operation.

However, the chief of Akwatia Osabarima Kofi Koranteng III Commended the efforts of the president in nation development.

He said revamping the Akwaitia mines will help create more jobs for the youth.

He emphasizes on some poor roads network in his area and appeals to the government to come to their aide.