The management of JOSPONG Group of Companies described as “regrettable” the “hostile manner” government took over the Great Consolidated Diamond Ghana Limited mine from it.

A statement released on Monday said, the use of the Military and the BNI in effecting the closed down of the company, created pandemonium in the rather peaceful community and deprived the community of the very livelihood the facility had given them over past few years.   

“On Thursday 18^th of September 2019, Executives of the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) assisted by the BNI and military apparatus illegally entered GCDGL premises, took over the security of the mine, closed down all the offices, seized staff vehicles and mobile phones, threatened staff, and closed down the only hospital which serves the community without regard for the patients who were receiving treatment,” the statement said.

The company which said due notice was not served it prior to the action, says it can only resort to the law court to ensure justice.

JOSPONG Group took ownership of GCDGL from government’s Divestiture Implementation Committee (DIC) in the year 2011.

However, the Government acting through DIC by a letter dated April 9, 2019, abrogated the agreement between the parties, the company said.  

The Acting Director-General of State Interest and Governance Authority, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, led the takeover last week, renaming it Ghana Consolidated Diamond Limited (GCDL).

He cited Clause (13) of the Mining Law as the authority which permits the government to takeover a company that has failed to fulfil contract obligations.

The management of JOSPONG Group of Companies has described the decision as unlawful.

JOSPONG says facts presented by the government for the seizure are inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the terms of the agreement executed between the parties.

Contrary to claims that it has not fulfilled its obligations under the contract, the company says it has invested over $20m in an attempt to revive the company, which was closed down with its premises in a dilapidated state at the time it took over.  

“In the development plan to revive the mine to full-scale operations, we have undertaken numerous feasibility studies and development activities amounting to over 20 million USD,”

That is not all.

The JOSPONG Group of Companies adds that “the GCDGL and its strategic partners have reached an advanced stage to execute a 50 million USD investment to operationalise the mine of which a memorandum of understanding has been signed.”

 The company says it remains focused in its quest to provide jobs for the many people who are currently unemployed in Ghana.

“The Jospong Group of Companies currently employs over 50,000 people and remains committed to continued contribution to national development through the provision of jobs,” the statement reveals.

It has also assured all its “stakeholders including the chiefs and people of Akwatia and the workers that it is doing everything possible to resolve this matter using the appropriate legal remedies.”