Cement maker LafargeHolcim admitted on Thursday it had resorted to “unacceptable practices” to continue operations at one of its factories in Syria.
The admission comes after the French government in January filed a legal complaint against Lafarge for buying oil in Syria to power a factory there in violation of sanctions.
“At times, different armed factions controlled or sought to control the areas around the plant,” LafargeHolcim said in a statement following an internal investigation.
“It appears from the investigation that the local company provided funds to third parties to work out arrangements with a number of these armed groups, including sanctioned parties, in order to maintain operations and ensure safe passage of employees and supplies to and from the plant,” it said.
“In hindsight, the measures required to continue operations at the plant were unacceptable.”
Join GhanaStar.com to receive daily email alerts of breaking news in Ghana. GhanaStar.com is your source for all Ghana News. Get the latest Ghana news, breaking news, sports, politics, entertainment and more about Ghana, Africa and beyond.