A CHRISTIAN PASTOR FOUND 706/709 CARAT DIAMOND IN KONO, SIERRE LEONE
By Ranger
Barely few months to the end of his term of office, President Koroma has hit a big time jackpot as a diamond of high value has been discovered in the country. The discovery of another “STAR OF SIERRA LEONE” could not have come at a better time. Though the diamond was discovered by a private businessman (Pastor Emmanuel Momoh), nevertheless the government stands to gain from this find by way of commission on the diamond (taxes). The diamond is said to be 709 carat. Its market value is yet to be determined.
What is expected by way of accruals from this find for the government is some 15% – 20% of the present market value of the diamond. This percentage is expected to be the 6% tax levied on alluvial diamonds found in the country and charges to be paid to the Government Gold and Diamond Office (GGDO). The bulk of the proceeds from the sale of this diamond will go to the owner of the find after taxes have been deducted.
Sources say that when the diamond was found, the chief was alerted who in turn informed the Mines minister. The owner of the diamond was then brought with the diamond to State house in Freetown. President Koroma is said to have instructed the relevant offices dealing with diamonds to ensure that proper valuation of the mineral is done and any interested buyer should come to Sierra Leone where the sale should take place in an atmosphere of transparency.
President Koroma can be said to be a very lucky leader as even as he is getting ready to leave office, a diamond of such value has been found, albeit by a private registered miner. One observer called H.E. “luck bundle” and another said the president has scored the last minute goal.
According to the government spokesman the accruals from the sale of this diamond in the form of tax will be used in the development of the country. It could be recalled that the last time that a diamond of such value was discovered was in 1971 and was labeled the “Star of Sierra Leone”. That find is said to be 968 carat whilst this present one is 709 carat.
This country has been blessed by God but our politicians have not worked in the interest of the people. In times past diamonds with high value have been found and unscrupulous politicians have secretly connived with the miners to sell them overseas with no benefit to the country. This time round president Koroma is said to be determined to ensure that the sale takes place in the country and both the government and the miner get what they deserve.
Who discovered the diamond?
Pa Boama picked the diamond passed it on to Pastor Emmanuel Momoh who allegedly owned the land. Pastor, according to report informed PC Saquee who informed Government agencies. Sources further states that Pastor Emmanuel Momoh took alluvial mining license of Le600,000 from NRA office.
Some authorities are claiming that the diamond is picked up by unlicensed miner and therefore illegal making it become state property. If it’s proven that the property bongs to the state, the poor Pastors destiny will be in the hands of supreme executive authority to compensate him. But if he’s the owner as documented by NRA receipt the question comes to payment of either 3% or 15%.
3 years ago Sam Sumana was involved in similar diamond quagmire, they ended up paying 15%. But when false lady later got involved in similar diamond case, by Donald Trump’s executive order, the rate was automatically reduced to 3% and they paid pittance. Pastor Momoh and Pa Boama are at the mercy of executive orders. #culledfromwhatsap
The diamond was presented to President Koroma
By State House Communication Unit
A 706/709 carat diamond was presented to President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma yesterday evening (Wednesday March 15th, 2017) by Paramount Chief Paul N. Saquee The 5 of Tankoro Chiefdom in Kono district led by the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Honourable Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray at State House.
According to the Mines Minister, the diamond was discovered by Pastor Emmanuel A. Momoh who is engaged in alluvial mining at Koyadu village in Tankoro Chiefdom. Receiving the diamond President Koroma thanked the chief and his people for not smuggling the diamond out of the country. He underscored the importance of selling such a diamond here as it will clearly give the owners what is due them and benefit the country as a whole. The president assured that the selling process would be transparent and to the highest bidder.
The worth of the diamond found
Worth of the A single 25-carat portion is likely to sell for $2.2 million to $3.6 million (£1.78 million to £2.75 million), or $88,000 to $144,000 for a single carat.
What to expect from the diamond and what the people want for the government to do with it for the betterment of Mama Salone?
Lets hear your own opinion below….
