Minister calls for support for the rehabilitation of Takoradi Airstrip

Sekondi, March 27, GNA - Mr. Joseph Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, has appealed to mining companies operating in the region to assist in the rehabilitation of the Takoradi Airforce airstrip. He said the Naval Airstrip, if properly rehabilitated, could result in business boom by facilitating the easy movement of goods and services to other parts of the country.

Mr. Aidoo said this when Mr. Allan Ashworth, the new Managing Director of Goldfields Ghana Limited (GGL) paid a courtesy call on him at Sekondi.

He said a good airstrip would be a befitting tribute to Ghana as she celebrates her 50th birthday next year and added that the project must be completed before CAN 2008.

Mr. Aidoo stressed that the influx of people, goods, services and tourists would demand a faster and more means of transportation and urged all mining companies to support the project.

He said the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) had been working closely with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to enhance peace and security in the region.

He stressed that without a peaceful environment, no business entity would be able to meet its production levels and advised the management of GGL to take the caution about security of REGSEC seriously. Mr. Aidoo asked the management of GGL to intensify its community service to improve the lives of people living in its areas of operation. Mr. Ashworth pledged to work closely with the RCC and REGSEC to ensure industrial harmony.

Mr. Mike Ezan, Executive Director of GGL said the company would support other aspects of the region's development needs and that it had plans to establish an airport at Bogoso to facilitate the movement of goods and services.