The Ghana Environmental Journalists Association (GEJA) on Friday commended the government and its development partners for reviving the erstwhile Ghana Diamond Company which was closed down in 2007.

They also cautioned residents of the area to avoid engaging in illegal mining of diamonds, an activity that could cause serious degradation to the environment.

In a statement issued in Accra, the journalists noted that not long ago hundreds of residents in some parts of the Eastern Region suffered from floods, mainly because of the damage caused to the environment by “Galamsey” operations.

“Lives were lost as a result of the floods, prompting President John Evans Atta Mills to tour some affected areas to commiserate with victims.”

The journalists said efforts had been made by traditional leaders, government officials and other Non-Governmental Organizations to see an end to this illegal mining phenomenon but to no avail.

“GEJA fears the good intentions of establishing this new company which are to mine diamond and provide jobs for the unemployed could be jeopardized if residents continued to adopt bad practices in mining the diamond, which can destroy the environment.

“GEJA will like to urge government not to hesitate to arrest and prosecute any individual who engages in “galamsey” operations in the communities to benefit from this, since that will send a strong signal to all and sundry that the activity is frown upon by the laws of the country.”

The Vice president, John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday launched a Ghanaian owned-company, The Great Consolidated Diamond Ghana Limited (GCDGL), which is to take over the mining of diamond at Akwatia and surrounding communities in the Eastern region.

GCDGL intends to establish an integrated diamond mining and processing industry which is to bring on board a management team and consultants with in depth expertise, knowledge and skills in business, finance and community development.

It is also gratifying to note that the Company is to invest about $100 million in a five-year multi-phase programme to provide jobs for 2,000 workers and ultimately 50,000 people.

“GEJA would like to urge GCDGL not to renege on its promises to support efforts to alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living of the people by employing the youth of the area and investing in developing the communities.”

The journalists urged GCDGL to engage in lawful mining practices and be mindful of activities that can endanger the environment since any destruction caused to the environment could have devastating effect on the people of Akwatia and beyond.