By: Dorothy Kuma Yeboah and Lois Ohenewaa
Stakeholders in the country’s mining sector, say government should implement policies that will better serve the interest of jewelers and the country in general. Chief Executive of Rapport Services, Judy Nakuor Crayem, speaking at the outdooring of the first Lapidary Institute of Ghana and launch of Gold Statement 2024 in Accra, said the sector needs value addition to gold and other minerals to generate substantial revenue to boost the country’s economy.
She indicated that mere rhetoric about the importance of value addition to gold and other minerals by government appointees, without any real assistance to the industry, is not the way to go.
“We cannot continue sending our gold, diamonds and other gemstones out of the country in its raw state. Gold Statement and its partners have walked the talk to date. We need genuine commitment from decision makers” she noted.
Speaking on the theme “promoting Ghana gold jewelry with special emphasis on lapidary and gemstones of Ghana, a new dimension”, Mrs. Crayem called for a concerted effort to put Ghana on the map as a gold and gemstone jewelry hub.
The Lapidary Institute of Ghana which was established in March 2024 seeks to introduce, preserve and advance the art and science of lapidary through education, value addition, Innovation and community engagement. It also aims to equip the youth with lapidary skills which involves cutting, shaping, and polishing of gemstones which will open up new markets for the youth in the jewelry industry.
Mrs Crayem who doubles as the Executive Director of the Lapidary Institute admonished the youth to develop interest and engage in gold and gemstone jewelry, in an attempt to bridge the unemployment rate in the country.
“To our pioneer students, I will encourage you to focus on your training, as you will be the first to acquire this special skill. Do not look back, rather spread the good news to other young people to take advantage of this opportunity” she emphasized.
She stated the institute is in the process of registering with the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) to enable it to award certificates to students. She, therefore, appealed to sponsors and benevolent organizations to support the institute in enhancing its production.
The Public Relations Director of the Lapidary Institute, Sean Agyei Sikapa Agyemang said unlocking the potential of individuals is a priority for the institute.
“We see the potential within our community and country as a whole. Your donations, sponsorships and investment in our cause will help us transform our potential youth into national assets” he reiterated.
Reaffirming his support, Chief Executive, Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. Alexander Dodoo expressed optimism that the Lapidary Institute will expand its work to other African countries, prioritizing standards.
President of the Jewelers Association of Ghana, Jonathan Ababio highlighting some challenges crippling the industry said Ghana’s inability to trade on the international market is due to the non-existence of locally standardised gold pricing. This, when addressed will put the jewelers in a better stead to do business on the international market.
The event was attended by players in the mining sector including representatives from the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners and Women in Mining.
The three-day conference and exhibition of the Gold Statement is slated for 28th to 30th November this year in Accra.
