Make oil find a blessing - People of Dalun appeal

Dalun (N/R), Oct 31, GNA - The chiefs and people of Dalun in the Tol= on/ Kumbungu District have advised the government to ensure that the revenue from the country's oil find trickles down to improve the lives of the poo= r majority. Citing the Nigerian example, the people said corruption, mismanagement and communal conflicts had bedevilled the oil sector in Africa. These sentiments were expressed at the 17th Denmark Seminar organised by the Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA) at the weekend in Dalun.

The GDCA is an umbrella non-governmental organization made up of the Community Life Improvement Project and Simli Pong, both working to improve upon the living conditions of the people in the Northern Region. Under the theme, 93The Discovery of Oil and Gas in Ghana: Its significance to Northern Ghana," the annual event seeks to strengthen the long lasting relationship between Denmark and the people in the area. Mr. Iddi Manzah, the District Chief Executive, who read a speech on behalf of the Regional Minister, said the government had put in place adequate measures to ensure that the citizenry benefit from the oil find.

"There will not be cash distribution to citizens," he said. 93Rat= her, it will be used collectively for the good of all, by providing for public safety and security; promoting culture; supporting law enforcement; developing human capital and concentrating on energy and health." He said a model had been initiated to ensure the continuous training and skills transfer of people in the oil sector. A register or association of capable professionals and craftsmen in the industry would be created. Employment levels of Ghanaians in the industry would be high while the natural gas, when produced, would also drive the economic development of th= e country, he said.

He, therefore, appealed to Ghanaian students to position themselves by undertaking courses related to this field as it would be mandatory to employ local but competent people who would meet international standards. Mr. Manzah called on parents to make their children's education a priority and help them to succeed saying; 93by so doing it would help the children to find their proper positions in society when they grow up." He said it was unfortunate that some parents spend huge sums of money on social activities, especially funerals at the expense of their children'= s education. Professor Abubakr Al-Hassan, Chairman of GDCA, urged the government to create an enabling environment by ensuring transparency and accountability in all spheres of the economy, including oil and gas operations. On education, Prof. Al-Hassan appealed to the government to ensure tha= t education is made accessible, especially for the poor, by continuing with the School Feeding Programme and the Capitation Grant.