Select Committee on defence and Interior tours W/R

Sekondi, April 6, GNA - The Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Interior led by its Chairman, Alhaji Abubakari Osumanu, on Tuesday began a two-day working visit to the Western Region. The Committee members paid a courtesy call on Madam Betty Bosomtwi-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister, at the start of the visit and later visited Western Naval Command and the Sekondi Central Prisons. They are expected to also tour the Regional Commands of the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Immigration Service, Custom, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), the Takoradi Air force Station and the Second Battalion of Infantry in region. Addressing the press, Alhaji Osumanu said the visit was to enable Committee members to determine the needs and requirements of institutions under the two ministries and make recommendations for Parliament to improve their conditions of service.

He said the Ghana Navy has a big role to play in protecting the country's territorial waters and considering the oil find; it must be adequately equipped and resourced to carry out such a duty. Alhaji Osumanu said the navy lacked equipment and needs bigger and efficient boats to carry out its responsibilities. He said the slipway at the command should be expanded and sufficient accommodation provided for the officers. He noted that some ratings have left the navy and have been employed by some oil companies. Alhaji Osumanu said Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire are brothers and have clear boundaries and the oil find should not mar the good and cordial relationship between the two countries. He said Professor Atta-Mills is a President to all Ghanaians irrespective of ones political affiliation and who had been urging all and sundry to give off their best to develop the country. 6 April 10