The Finance Ministry has dismissed as misleading, incorrect and untrue a recent news story published in the Financial Times newspaper alleging that Finance Minister, Lusinee F. Kamara, Sr. is among government officials that signed the "Opaque Diamond Mining Deal."

A Finance Ministry Public Affairs statement issued yesterday clarified that contrary to the erroneous insinuation of the Financial Times, the signature on the "Opaque Diamond Deal" is not the signature of Finance Minister, Lusinee F. Kamara, Sr.

The ministry said it wants to set the records straight that at no time did Minister Kamara sign or authorize any official of government to sign on his behalf a mining deal referred to and published recently by the Financial Times newspaper.

The ministry expressed surprise and indignation that the Financial Times globally reputed to be a credible news organ would elect to publish such a gross speculation without cross-checking its information with the ministry.

The statement indicated that the Finance Ministry is aware and conscious of the delicate nature of diamond trade as well as the need to ensure transparency and accountability.

The ministry, the release noted, assures the public and the Financial Times that it is religiously committed to the policy of good governance and cannot afford to sign such a controversial deal.