Concerns expressed about delay in passing of Diamond Process Bill

Accra, Oct. 23, GNA - Members of Parliament on Thursday expressed various concerns about the delay in the passing of the Kimberley Process Certification Bill that would enable Ghana to access the world market of diamonds.

The members were contributing to the debate on the Motion for the approval of the Bill after it had passed through its first and second readings before it went through its reading and passed into law. Mr Seidu Paakuna Adamu, ranking member and NDC-Bibiani/Anhwiaso/Bekwai said the delay has been an embarrassment to, especially the government for its failure to pass the bill and, but for the efforts of the Minister of Mines, the situation would have been worse.

He said it was untrue that the Minority failed to do its duty in regard to the passage of the bill and explained that it was rather government that failed in its duty since it failed to present the legislative instrument on time on three occasions to enable the House to make informed decision for its passage.

The International community under the auspices of the United Nations came together to design a processing scheme to prevent warring diamond producing countries from exporting their produce.

It was found out that diamond from conflict areas normally referred to as "conflict diamonds" are used in certain countries to fund rebel activities to undermine legitimate democratic governments and prominent among such countries are Angola, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Ghana is a signatory to the draft of the Kimberley Process measures but has not been able to sell its produce on the world market due to lack of legal framework to back the process. More

Mr Adamu said because of the ban, the small-scale diggers of diamonds have been denied their livelihood and this has affected the economy of most of the towns, especially Akwatia and its environs. He alleged that the small-scale miners even threatened to embark on a demonstration against Parliament for what they claim is the inaction in passing the bill as a result of news reports that Parliament has refused to pass the bill.

Mr Akwasi Afrifa, NPP- Fomena said there was the need for African countries to ensure they do not allow foreigners to exploit the diamond market to support rebels in achieving their selfish interests. Prince Oduro-Mensah, Techiman South said the support given to rebels in the form of arms, ammunition and other assistance by foreign entities needed to be critically considered by member states of the continent.

Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, NDC- Kumbungu said the whole issue shows government's incompetence in the handling of the passage of the bill and that its approach needs a lot to be desired and questioned how much has so far been lost to the nation and the small-scale diamond miners. He said there is the need for opening an enquiry into the issue so that all those through whose inaction, incompetence and failure to perform their duty are made to answer for their misdeeds.

Dr Kwabena Adjei, NDC- Biakoye said it is regrettable that even though Parliament was summoned on two occasions during the recess, government never found it necessary to lay the legislative instrument as a matter of urgency as was done to the Health Insurance Bill.

Mr Victor Gbeho, Ind. Anlo said the bill was very important for the economic development of the country and as such the country should have a stake in the fortunes of the passage of the bill into law. He said monitoring the trade in diamonds needs to be critically looked into, especially in war-torn countries, adding that the availability of diamonds and its easy access has created more damage in the sub-region and the continent.

Mrs Cecilia Bannerman, Minister of Mines said, it was gratifying that all sides of the House recognize the importance of the approval of the passage of the bill and urged members to consider it as an urgent and important issue for the country's socio-economic development.

Businesswoman appeals to NRC

Accra, Oct. 23, GNA - Hajia Kande Mohammed, a businesswoman on Thursday prayed the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) to assist her get back her brother's building at Accra New Town that was confiscated to the state in 1986. She said her brother, Alhaji Sunuunu bought the building in an uncompleted state from one Alhaji Mahamma Kpalime for 24,000 cedis who gave him all the papers covering the house. Hajia Mohammed said the house was confiscated at a time when her brother had travelled, adding that Militiamen ejected all the 50 family members occupying the house. She said they were alleged to have ejected their junior brother, one Abdul Latiff from the house, hence the confiscation, adding that Latiff apparently had some ties with some members of government. The Witness said later the said Abdul Latiff alleged that the house belonged to Mr. J.D. Dommo, Minister of the Interior during the Busia regime, adding that Mr. Dommo denied the allegation. She said two of her brothers who were forced to testify before the Tailor Assets Committee that the house belonged to Mr. Dommo were arrested and jailed for two years. Hajia Mohammed said the owner of the house, Sunuunu, currently stays with her at Alajo, adding that he had three wives,13 children with some other dependants. More REA