Takoradi, June 16, GNA - Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Omanahene of Essikadu Traditional Area, has said the Western Region has been neglected in terms of development.

He said the region, which produces natural resources such as gold, bauxite, manganese among others, is wallowing in poverty. Nana Nketsia was speaking at a Oil and Gas Business and Exhibition conference, organised by West African Business Association (WABA), Ghana, in Takoradi.

The conference brought together stakeholders in the oil and gas industry and was under the theme" Oil and Gas; Asem Pa". Nana Nketsia said local participation of the people in the industry should be given due consideration adding, "Civil society groups need to inform and educate the public on the oil discovery at the Cape Three Points".

He said it is the responsibility of the oil industry to learn from the mistakes of other oil producing countries so that discovery of oil in the country would become a blessing rather than a curse. Nana Nketsia said that the Ahanta Traditional Council would not allow lands that have been acquired at the Cape Three Points to be used for purposes that would not benefit the people.

"We will always ensure that the right thing is done for development to thrive and to eliminate poverty among the people," he said. Nana Nketsia urged stakeholders in the industry to undertake development projects in communities that they operate.

Dr Joe Oteng Adjei, Minister of Energy, said competent and hardworking people with technical skills would be required to work in the oil and gas industry.

He has therefore urged the youth in the region to upgrade their skills to enable them to secure jobs in the industry.