Kikam (W/R), May 22, GNA - Government has approved the Kikam Technical Institute (KIMTECH) in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region as one of the institutions in the country to train middle-level manpower to take up opportunities in the emerging oil and gas industry. This is in fulfilment of government's policy to engage communities in the catchment area of the oil-find in the extraction of the resource.

The Deputy Minister of Energy in charge of Petroleum, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, made this known at Kikam when he visited three communities in his constituency, namely Azuleloanu, Kikam and Asanda.

He explained that KIMTECH had been earmarked to train and produce the required manpower to feed the oil industry due to its proximity to the oil field.

At Asanda, Mr Buah pledged to liaise with the District Assembly to improve the infrastructural base of the Asanda Nursing Training School. The District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, Mr Daniel K. Eshun, appealed to chiefs in the area to release land for the youth to venture into agriculture to better their lot. He called on the people to support government to implement policies that would enhance the development of the area.

During an open forum, a Unit Committee member of Asanda, Mr Clement Akpor Adjei, asked the MP to help them renovate the local market and also extend electricity to the rest of the town.