Sharing national resources

Western Region produces close to 40 per cent of the nation's resources.

Ever since the announcement was made about the oil discovery in the country, a lot of suggestions have been put across, as to how the country should maximize the expected revenue.

Both international and local experts in the industry are constantly reminding Ghanaians and, particularly, the government about what they should expect, the moment the first drop enters the barrel.

Drawing experience from what is happening in other countries, the main theme running through their campaign is that, the oil find could be a blessing or a curse, depending on how it is handled.

And since Ghanaians want it to be the showers of blessing, it is important, that we do not tread the same path that other oil countries walked and have brought untold hardship to their people.

It is in this vein, that the Ghanaian Times supports the suggestion that players in the oil and gas industry do not forget the people who live in the area where the resources are taken from.

It is needless to wait for the indigenes to take up arms and fight before we listen to their grievances.

There is no point, denying the fact that, the resources of a country belongs to all and that they should be utilized for the general good.

But it becomes a clear case of injustice, when people directly affected by the exploration of these resources are denied of basic needs.

Ghanaians are quick at pointing to the activities of militants in some neighbouring oil producing countries; but right here in Ghana it is happening.

There are certain parts in this country, which are endowed with rich natural resources, but yet have to go cup in hand begging for development projects.

Take the Western Region, for instance; it is one region that produces close to 40 per cent of the nation's resources (cocoa, timber, gold and foodstuffs) but lacks development.

It has the worst road network in the country.
The Times thinks, it is not only the companies in the oil and gas industry who have to be alive to their responsibilities, the government also has a bigger role to play in ensuring that the affected people get their due share.

We do not want to sound alarming, but we have the strong feelings, that if care is not taken and the concerns of the people are not properly addressed, the slogan “we not go sit down make them cheat us everyday” which was on the airwaves years ago, could be relevant this time around.

Credit: Ghanaian Times