THE Minister designate for Energy, Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, has told the Appointments Committee that the government will have to tap other potential resources, such as salt, to finance country’s oil imports.
He said on the coastal belt stretching from Aflao to Elmina, a distance of about 300 kilometres, are potential salt mining areas which could be developed to produce over five million tonnes of salt for export. Currently, a tonne of salt sells at $200 on the international market.
Mr Kan-Dapaah said he will restructure the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation such that it will attract foreign partners for the exploration of oil in the country.
He said he will also ensure that the Bulk Oil Storage Company (BOST) sticks to its original role of stock-piling petroleum products at strategic locations.
He said the previous government signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the Bui Dam project because it realised that the country still needed cheaper sources of energy for industry.
On the extension of power to rural areas, he said it will be more economical if power to such areas was used to generate wealth to improve local economy rather than concentrating on domestic use.
He said whilst he agrees to diffential tarrifs to industry such as steel companies, agriculture and the manufacturing sector, care must be taken so that it will stimulate industrial and economic growth.
Mr Kwamina Bartels, Minister-designate for Works and Housing said he will make sure that the agreement between the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and Channon of Canada is abrogated because it is not in the interest of the country.
He said there are Ghanaian entrepreneurs who are better trained in waster management and it will be proper to give them the waste disposal contract to create employment for the people.
He said even though that sector does not fall under his portofolio, he is prepared to go to court, if need be, to ensure that the proper thing was done
On private participation in the water sector, Mr Bartels said the principle behind the programme was laudable but the manner in which contract was awarded to Azzuric without due consideration to others who expressed interest in participating created doubts about the whole contract.
Ms Elizabeth Ohene, who has been designated as Minister of State at the Presidency in charge of Media Relations, said even though criminal libel laws cannot be removed immediately from the statute books, the government will not use it to prosecute journalists.
She said she has come back home to realise that the media landscape has changed dramatically, especially with the liberalisation of the airwaves.
Madam Hawa Yakubu, who has been assigned the potfolio of Tourism, commended the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority for the rehabilitation of the Kotoka International Airport and said this will help boost tourism.
She said she will promote local tourism to enhance national integration.
Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister-designate for Education expressed the hope that his nomination will serve as an agent of reconciliation since he has worked as a public servant.
He said there has been considerable improvement in the performance of students under the educational reform programme.
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