Sekondi, Aug. 17,- GNA - The Government had been told not to allow its attention to revamp the railway sector to be distracted by cartels whose interest is to ensure the complete breakdown of the railway system.

Nana Kobina Nketsia IV, Omanhene of Essikado traditional area noted that the revival of rail transport would be a major step forward to sustain progress so far achieved in many sectors towards the country's development.

The Omanhene was speaking at a grand durbar of chiefs and people of Lower and Upper Dixcove, Ahanta and Shama in honour of President John Agyekum Kufuor at Sekondi. He said the people had confidence in the Government to find lasting solution to the plethora of problems militating against the efforts to rehabilitate the railway system in the country.

"The sector seems to have been overwhelmed with problems even to the extent that bauxite from Awaso has to be hauled by road to the Port, a situation that saddens one's heart."

Nana Nketsia said the chiefs and people of the area are prepared to assist the Ministry of Railways and Transport to design an Action Plan towards the rehabilitation and development of the railway system because the development of the sector is dear to their hearts.

He said the proposed Oil Refinery to be established in the area and the West African Gas Project would offer employment for the youth to further enhance the development.

Nana Nketsia commended the Government for the construction of sea defence walls to protect a number of communities in the area and said but for the prompt action, some of these communities would have been destroyed.

He however, called on the contractor working on a similar project at Dixcove to expedite action to save property from being destroyed by the waves.

The Omanhene of Essikado called for the rehabilitation of roads to enhance the economic activities of the people.

President Kufuor, who is touring the Region said his Government would continue to pursue measures that would ensure fair and equitable distribution of resources.

He said the Government's objective to seek the well-being of all Ghanaians irrespective of their political inclination or ethnic origin would continue to engage his attention.

President Kufuor thanked the people of the Western Region for their massive support in the last elections and urged them to remain loyal to the New Patriotic Party. Aug. 17 05