STCCI charged to engineer dev’t in W/R

Dr. Anthony Aubynn, the Chief Executive Officer, Minerals Commission, has identified chieftaincy as one of the bane militating against the development of the Western Region.

He said despite the rich endowment of the region, the lack of cooperation among traditional authorities to drive the development agenda of the region continued to hinder its progress.

Dr. Aubynn was speaking during the first anniversary lecture of the Sekondi/ Takoradi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (STCCI) after their break away from the national chamber.

The theme for the anniversary was:"Developing the Western Region to become the Growth Pole for the Socio-economic development of Ghana."

Dr Aubynn said there should be a comprehensive plan for the region, the formation of an independent economic think tank and a consortium to raise funds and invest in shares.

Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Paramount Chief of Essikado, said Ghanaians should do away with "all for myself syndrome and nothing for others theory".

Mr. Ato Van Ess, the Chairman of the STCCI, called for massive structural changes in the Region, adding that, the level of resources did not commensurate with the development.

Mr Kwame Gyantua of the National Development Planing Council said there must be long term development plans to ensure sustainability, and that, the STCCI must be the pivot to drive the region's development.