Agona Nkwanta (W/R), Sept. 17, GNA - Otumfuo Baidoo Bonsu, the Ahantahene, has said that the Ahanta people deserve 50 percent employment opportunities in the oil industry when it becomes operational in 2010.

He said this was the only way by which the high numbers of unemployment within the catchment areas could be reduced. Otumfuo Baidoo Bonsu was speaking at a public hearing organised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on the first phase of the Jubilee Oilfields at Agona Nkwanta near Takoradi.

He said Ahantaland, had over 300 graduates who were qualified in various sectors of the oil industry and there was the need to recruit from the catchment area before recruiting from other areas. Otumfuo Baidoo Bonsu noted that though recruitment was based on merit, he was sure that most of the people especially the youth had the requisite skills to support the oil and gas industry.

He noted that benefits from the oil industry was likely to transform the community with the provision of good roads, hospitals and improved economic livelihoods.

He said the discovery of oil was a sign of blessing, which must be harnessed for the good of the country.

Mr. Samuel Johnfia, Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, said the only option available for the youth was for them to further their education and acquire skills that are related to the oil industry. He appealed to the chiefs and people of the region not to allow the name of the location of the oilfield create divisions among them. "What maters most is that the oil is in the Western Region and Ghana," he stressed.

Okyeame Ampadu, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager of Tullow, assured the communities that nothing will be done secretly in the oil industry.

He stressed that the main corporate social responsibility of the company had not started and when it starts, serious consultations between the various stakeholders will be organised to explain the processes to them.

Okyeame Ampadu said "We will support the government of Ghana to achieve its vision and aspirations in the oil industry and we will not fail".

He appealed to the youth to be objective, seek information on the industry, improve upon their professional capabilities, and then join the sector and its allied institutions that would be established. Mr. Jones Amoah, Ahanta West District Chief Executive appealed to the various players to manage the expectations well. He said there should be transparency and fairness in the industry and this will safeguard the industry and make it a blessing for the nation. 17 Sept. 09