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Task Force urged to prevent Ivorian diamonds from entering
Ghana
Accra, April 22, Ghanadot/GNA – Mr.
George Asante, Deputy Managing Director at the Precious
Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), on Tuesday urged security
personnel at the country’s borders to prevent diamonds from
Cote d’Ivoire from entering Ghana.
He explained that diamonds from Cote d’Ivoire were not
accepted by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, an
international certification scheme governing rough diamonds
exports, imports and trading to ensure elimination of
“conflict diamonds” from rebels entering the international
market.
The international market believes that diamonds sold from
conflict areas are a source of funding for rebels.
Mr. Asante explained to the GNA that Ghana started the
sensitization programme following a report by the United
Nations panel of experts who accused the country of allowing
its territory to be used as a conduit for rough diamonds
from rebels in Cote d’Ivoire.
He said Ghana was at the verge of being expelled from the
group of certified diamond exporters because of its
proximity to Cote d’Ivoire.
Mr. Asante said a joint task force comprising Customs and
Immigration officers, miners and other security agencies was
therefore set up to sensitize them on the need to prevent
diamonds from Cote d’Ivoire from entering the Ghanaian
market.
Officials from the PMMC together with Ms. Rita Tani Iddi,
Deputy Minister in-charge of Mines at the Ministry of Lands,
Forestry and Mines started a sensitization programme last
year to remind the task force of the need to prevent
conflicts diamonds from entering Ghana.
The sensitization programme which took place in Elubo
(Western Region), Sampa (Brong Ahafo) and Bole (Northern
Region) is part of administrative measures to remove
weaknesses to strengthen the internal controls at the
borders.
Ms Iddi, who is also the chairman of the taskforce told
members that their scrutiny of travellers, vigilance and
contributions were needed for Ghana to move forward and
enable the country to get to the point where she would be
allowed to export rough diamonds under no conditions.
“This will go a long way to ensure the sustainability of the
industry and reduce unemployment in diamond mining areas
consequently alleviating poverty and improving the
socio-economic status of citizens in the locality.”
She said experts from the World Diamond Council who examined
all diamond purchases at PMMC from miners between December
2007 and February 2007 found no conflict diamonds from Cote
d’Ivoire and thus praised Ghana for the good work done.
Ms Iddi indicated that the Minerals Commission had commenced
the registration of unregistered diamond miners in the Lower
Birim area in compliance with the Kimberly Process
Certification schedule.
She said the sensitization programme had been a great
success.
GNA
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