Takoradi, Sept. 19, GNA - Nana Kobina Nketsiah V, Omanhene of the Essikado Traditional Area within the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region, has bemoaned the poverty level in the region in spite of its abundant natural resources.

"Even though we sit in the midst of wealth, the people of this Region leave in abject poverty," he said.

Nana Nketsia V, who expressed the sentiment at the just ended Western Region Human Development Forum in Takoradi, called for a total change in the human and resource development of the region adding, "Indeed we do not have the right to be poor".

The development forum was under the theme: "Human Development in Ghana's Western Region; Managing Development Opportunities for a secured future".

He said the country's education system must help to develop its own way of life rather than depending on other countries for development.

Nana Nketsia V said development was not only about infrastructure but also about the people.

Messers Yaw Amoyaw-Osei and Joseph Yeboah, who provided information on the environment, natural resource and human development of the region, said the forests were fast depleting.

In addition, the discovery of oil had increase social conflicts and health risks such as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), pressure on existing infrastructure, rise in commodity prices as more people competing for the same goods and services and increase in crime and violence.