AFTER YEARS OF MINING IN AKWATIA – GHANA’S NEW ARTIFICIAL LAKE, THE ASUBONE STORY AND OUR TOURISM DRIVE ABSTRACT.... H. BRAKO
ABSTRACT....
H. BRAKO
Diamonds were first discovered in the Gold Coast Colony (Ghana) near the Birim River close to the town of Abomosu in 1919. The Birim diamond discoveries led mining companies to invest along that river. However, not until 1929 did organized diamond mining begin following additional diamond discoveries made by Ghanaian prospectors in the gravels of Bediebewu streams near Tarkwa.
In 1924, the Consolidated African Selection Trust (CAST) was formed and became the major diamond mining company in Ghana. Over 2 million carats were mined by CAST from 1924 to 1939. CAST’s early success led to investment in other diamond exploration and mining ventures in West Africa particularly in Ghana – resulting in the establishment of Great Consolidated Diamond (GCD).
1n 1963 Lake Asubone was created artificially in Asubone near Akwatia in Denkyembour District of Ghana by Great Consolidated Diamond (GCD) to provide water for its expanding mining operations. However, after the downsizing of the operations of GCD in early 70’s, the over 68-hectare lake has been left idle and almost forgotten, making it an easy pick by illegal miners
The main objective of this presentation is to create awareness on existence of such a water body which is kept from the public because of its previous use although it might be Ghana’s second largest artificial lake with its huge tourism potential, cognizant of its proximity to the Capital Accra.
Secondly, to also call for a consented effort by Government to protect it from further damage by miners and to encourage further research in establishing its current size, volume of water and others.
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