Relocating national gas plant was in interest -President Mills

The decision to relocate the national gas plant from Bonyere to Atuabo, in the Western Region was influenced by the national interest, President John Atta Mills has said.

He said the initial decision was to site the plant at Bonyere, close to the Osagyefo Barge, but the change in location would reduce the length of the pipelines by 23 kilometres.

Answering questions at a Town Hall meeting with Ghanaians in Washington, President Mills said apart from the plant all other projects earmarked for Bonyere would go ahead as scheduled.

President Mills is on an official visit to the US, at the invitation of US President Barack Hussein Obama.

He said the technical details are quite clear on the need to move the construction of the gas plant to Atuabo, adding: “It is better for us to go to Atuabo.”

President Mills said when Bonyere was chosen the intention was to use the Osagyefo Barge, and that would have facilitated the development of the gas project.

“Now that we cannot use the Osagyefo Barge, it was necessary for us to rethink. The technical reports have stated that,” he said.

President Mills said Government would not be swayed by personal sentiments, but would be guided by what was best for the nation.

He used the occasion to assure Ghanaians living abroad to continue to co-operate with Government to bring about improved and better living conditions at home.

He reiterated his commitment to peace and ensure that the phenomenon prevails before, during and after the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

President Mills also gave the assurance that Government is ready to give a listening ear to Ghanaians living abroad on their concerns.

Some of the issues raised at the meeting were on issues of dual nationality, voting rights for Ghanaians living abroad, need for Government to ensure excellent education, and a call for the reduction of import duties.