Accra, Feb. 26, GNA - Dr. Joe Oteng-Adjei, Minister of Energy on Thursday called for the promulgation of an energy security policy to protect the country from both internal and external illegal operations. He said the Policy would also help discourage criminals from sabotaging the country and prevent other illegal activities associated with oil exploration.

Dr Oteng-Adjei was addressing some foreign investors who had called on him to affirm their support to the development of Ghana's oil and gas sectors.

Present at the meeting were Mr. Balia Mandaw Dia, Senegalese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Keiichi Katakari, Japanese Ambassador to Ghana and Senator Mouhammed Mousiliu Obanikoro, Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana. Dr. Oteng-Adjei said the visit would boost the long term relationship between the various countries and also bring co-operation and collaboration in the area of energy in the country. He said government intended to put in all the necessary structures including laws and policies that would guide operators of the country's oil and gas business and ensure that there were no abuses or sabotage. He commended Japan for her continuous support Ghana in areas including energy, capacity building and in the training of young engineers on policy and regulations and also in the trade and business sectors.

"As a social democrats we believe it would be easier for us to operate the oil exploration and to make sure all thing done in the oil sector benefits every one." he said. Dr Oteng-Adjei stressed that technical education would be reinforced in the various educational institutions in the country, to make the students competent to work in the oil industry. The Minister said he would make sure students and trainees go on practical attachments in Nigeria since the country was more experienced in petroleum issues.

Mr. Balia Mandaw Dia, called on the Minister to create avenues for Senegal and Ghana to continue with their co-operation in energy and in other areas of businesses. "Since energy and transportation are the priorities of Africa, I believe the two countries should maintain this relationship." he said. Mr. Keiichi Katakari, said co-operation and collaboration with Ghana was essential to deepen the existing relationship between the two countries.

Senator Mousiliu Obanikoro, said pro-active capacity and infrastructure should be provided to the Ghana Navy to enable it provide efficient and adequate protection in the costal boarders of the country against all forms of attacks that were normally associated with oil exploration. 26 Feb 09