Wassa Akropong (W/R), Aug. 17, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesdays said the establishment of the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT) at Tarkwa was to explore and develop the numerous natural mineral resources in the Western Region.

He said researchers; engineers and administrators in the mining sector would be trained at the mining university.

President Kufuor was reacting to an appeal made by Kasapreko Kwame Bassanyin, Omanhene of the Wassa Akropong Traditional Area, for the reactivation of the Oppon-Manso iron and steel industry and the establishment of the university.

He said experts in the iron and steel industry were invited from China to undertake feasibility studies to partner the government to develop the industry.

"Government is expecting good results from the studies to reactive the iron and steel industry," he said.

On the establishment of co-operatives, President Kufuor said the Attorney General and the Ministry of the Interior were working out modalities to give legal backing to the concept and pledged government's commitment to deliver on its promise to the newly established districts. Later President Kufuor commissioned a 1.8 billion cedi District Assembly Office at Wassa Akropong.

Kasapreko Bassanyin appealed to the government to revive the iron and steel industry, since it could create several employment opportunities for the youth and unemployed.

He said the Youth Leadership and Skills Training Centre should be completed early to enable more youths to acquire skills to better their lot and assist in the development of the District. 17 Aug. 05