Accra, June 30, GNA - Mr Xavier Mintier, Executive Vice President of Shell Oil Products Africa (SOPA), has commended President John Evans Atta Mills for improving Ghana's business environment. He announced that SOPA was making a strategic downstream divestiture of its operations in 21 countries in Africa, including Ghana, with a re-assurance to create more jobs and guarantee its business activity. Mr. Mintier made the commendation when he led a delegation to pay courtesy call on President Mills at the Osu Castle, in Accra on Wednesday. The delegation also had discussion with the Energy Minister, Dr Joe Oteng Adjei.

The visit was to officially inform President Mills of the proposed divestiture of Shell, which has been operating in Ghana for about 82 years. Mr Mintier said management had successfully divested downstream in New Zealand and Greece. President Mills thanked Mr Mintier for the prior information before implementing the proposed divestiture. He observed that Shell had established a reputation for itself in Ghana.

President Mills appealed to management of Shell to allow Ghanaians to have a stake in the company's operations even after its divestiture. He assured the management that government would enhance the business environment for management to earn good returns on its investment. 30 June 10