Busua (W/R), 11, GNA - Ms Sherry Ayittey, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, has said there was the need for proper land use in the Western Region in view of the emerging oil and gas industry.

She said this at a day's forum organized by her Ministry for stakeholders to deliberate on the preparation of a spatial development framework plan for the Western Region.

The Minister said the emerging oil and gas industry in the region called for a planning document which would help provide guidance in the use and management of land in the region.

The forum, which was sponsored by Tullow Oil Company, was attended by technical personnel from the Metropolitan/District assemblies, District Chief executives and chiefs from the region to collate views towards the preparation of the planning document.

Ms Ayittey said the spatial development framework, an indicative plan showing the expected physical development over a 15 to 20 year period, would include the location of key land uses to achieve development.

It will provide strategic development vision of the region over the plan period and prescribes the proper citing of a project.

Ms Ayittey said over the past years development in the country had laid emphasis on economic planning to the detriment of spatial development.

"We are now paying a heavy price for neglecting our space-economy with clear manifestation of a lopsided distribution of population", she said.

Ms Ayittey said the pilot programme for the Western Region would later be extended to other regions.

In a speech read for him Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, the Western Regional Minister, said spatial development without proper planning had led to evolution of slums with its attendant unhygienic settlements.

He said since urbanization was an irreversible process, it was incumbent upon all citizens to ensure proper spatial development plan and wondered why roads are constructed before vital facilities like water, electricity, telephones are constructed thereby destroying portions of the roads which sometimes are not repaired.

Dr Tom Aubynn, Director of Corporate Affairs of Tullow Oil, assured that the company had drawn up a strategic plan to protect the environment from pollution and ensure sound socio-economic activities.

Dr Aubynn said the company would be alive to its social responsibilities to support the local communities in areas of health, education and agriculture by encouraging the people to embark on scientific fishing and farming.

Awulae Attibrukusu 111, Omanhene of Lower Axim Traditional Area and President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, expressed regret that despite its numerous resources the region had been deprived of development.

Therefore, he said, all chiefs, opinion leaders and stakeholders in the region must come out with meaningful suggestions and contributions towards development of the area.

Awulae Attibrukusu who chaired the occasion said posterity would not forgive them if they failed in their attempt to ensure the region's progress.