Sekondi, Nov 17, GNA - Dr Edward Omane-Boamah, the Deputy Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, has appealed to the people especially the youth in the Western Region to acquire specialized skills relevant to the oil industry. "It is only specialized training that will enable you get employment in the oil industry," he said and added his Ministry was putting in place training programmes on the oil industry for the youth.

Dr Omane-Boamah was speaking at a public hearing on phase one development of the jubilee oil fields organised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

He said adequate environmental safeguards should be designed to protect the country's environment and natural resources when drilling for oil begins.

The hearing, according to Dr Omane-Boamah, was to ensure that the chiefs and people are extensively consulted and their concerns fully captured and addressed so that the project would be implemented in an environmentally sound and socially acceptable manner.

Dr Omane-Boamah advised Tullow Oil Company against adversely affecting the livelihood of the people in its catchments area through its operations. He said despite its abundant natural resources, the region lagged behind in development and expressed the hope that the discovery of oil would redress some of the developmental challenges in the area.

Dr Omane-Boamah appealed to the company to ensure transparency in their dealings and observe the human rights of people who would be engaged. Awulae Annor Adjaye 111, the Omanhene of Western Nzema Traditional Area, expressed concern about how hazardous waste from oil operations would be properly disposed because of the environmental problems of some oil producing countries.

The chiefs also expressed concern about the influx of foreigners into the country as a result of the oil find and food security. "Security of the country, truancy of school children and the payment of royalties to landowners by oil companies would be among the emerging problems that the region is likely to face when oil drilling begins." Mr Kofi Essoun, Country and International Relations Manager of Tullow Oil Company, said the company had developed a long-term waste management strategy to ensure safe and proper disposal of its waste.

He said the company would observe international standards and local laws in its operation and make health and safety a top priority. Mr Essoun spoke of the company's waste management plan, emergency response, oil spill contingency, transport management, waste water and ballast water management and preventive maintenance, testing and inspection among others.

He said the company and its partners would continue to work with government and communities concerned to help ensure that the discovery of oil and gas could be managed well and sustained for the benefit of all Ghanaians.