Bibiani (W/R), Jan 22, GNA - The holding of Peoples' Assemblies is an indication of the government's commitment to transparency and accountability, Mr. Anthony Evans Amoah, Western Regional Minister, said on Saturday.

Answering questions at a Peoples' Assembly at Bibiani in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District, he said this was because the country could not develop if people ignored their responsibilities and duties. Mr. Amoah stated that human and human resource development were two other objectives of the government and urged the people to take advantage of programmes in the areas.

Mr. Amoah called on mining companies to observe safety regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since the government reserved the right to stop companies that flouted these regulations from operating.

He, however, assured the people that the operations of mining companies were safe because the EPA regularly assessed the environmental impact of their operations.

Mr. Amoah said the Ghana Bauxite Company and the Ghana Railway Company had reached an agreement on charges for rail transportation of bauxite from Awaso to Takoradi.

He said as soon as the agreement took effect, a ban would be placed on road transportation of bauxite because it had contributed to the poor state of roads at Awaso.

Mr. Amoah gave the assurance that Awaso roads would be rehabilitated and said as part of the country's Golden Jubilee Independence celebration each of the 13 districts in the region would construct a jubilee school in their areas.

Mr. Amoah announced that President Agyekum Kufuor would light the Golden Jubilee torch on February 23 at Wa, saying the torch would pass through Bibiani to other parts of the country. 22 Jan 07