Religion of Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Source: GNA

Let's prepare for oil and gas exploration - Moderator

Accra, Aug. 24, GNA - The Right Reverend Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, on Tuesday urged government to put in place an effective conflict resolution strategy to solve disputes that may arise among oil exploration companies.

He further advised the government to improve the national naval surveillance to prevent politically inspired sabotage and also consider the creation of an energy desk with the national security apparatus to monitor nautical border disputes with Ghana's neighbours.

The Rev. Dr Frimpong-Manso's advice was contained in a communiquee issued at the end of the 10th General Assembly of the church held on the theme: "Empowered by the Holy Spirit."

"The Chief Justice should team up with the Ministers of Energy and Justice to institute a special oil and gas arbitration training programme for selected senior judges to deal with any oil and gas related dispute in a competent way," the Moderator said.

He added that for the effective management of the oil sector, government should be aware of the different developmental strategies associated with crude oil and gas exploration to enable the nation to draft suitable policies.

The Rev. Dr Frimpong-Manso, however, lauded government for its commitment and effort towards providing a sound macro-economic framework for the development of the country and called for the effective use of the oil revenue.

Commenting on the impending national population census, the Moderator urged Ghanaians to participate effectively in the exercise to make it successful, and noted that collecting quality data about the nation helped in development planning and effective decision making.

The Rev. Dr Frimpong-Manso added his voice to the call for politicians to desist from interfering in the work of the Judiciary to enable the bench to enjoy independence as enshrined in the constitution.