YARO HOLDS YOUTH FORUM ON OIL AND GAS IN TAMALE

YARO HOLDS YOUTH FORUM ON OIL AND GAS IN TAMALE
The Youth Action on Reproductive Order (YARO), a Tamale based local Non Governmental Organization in collaboration with the Ghana Research and Advocacy Programme has organized a day’s multi stakeholder youth forum on oil and gas in Tamale.
The forum among other interventions sought to create a platform for the youth and civil society groups to participate in the ongoing national discussions regarding the emerging oil and gas Ghana has explored in large quantities.
Addressing the participants, Hajei Benin, Executive Director of the Youth Action Reproductive Order called on government to actively involve the youth at all levels of the decision making processes to determine the destiny of present and future generations with proceeds from the oil and gas wealth.
He implored Parliament to fast track the passage of the petroleum draft bill into law to hold in check government and all the relevant stakeholders who will be managing the oil and gas wealth.
Hajei Benin said YARO in partnership with the Ghana Research and Advocacy Programme has embarked on series of policy education and advocacy fora across the country with focus on the three regions of the north.
Sam Nasaamu Asabigi, Deputy Northern Regional Minister reiterated government’s pledge to manage wealth that will accrue from the oil and gas sales for the benefit of all citizens.
He therefore challenged the youth of northern Ghana to take advantage of the emerging oil and gas exploration in large quantities by pursuing courses that will make them gain employment in the oil and gas industry.
Dr. A.B.T Zakariah, a Deputy Registrar of University for Development Studies urged government to create a harmonious relationship with the local people and civil society based organizations to ensure accountability and transparency in the disbursement of the oil and gas wealth for nation building.
This in the estimation of Dr. Zakariah will save Ghana from the experiences of oil producing countries in Africa which have been inundated with tensions and civil unrest.
“We need to learn lessons from countries such as Nigeria by working out strategies and mutually acceptable relationships and agreements between government and the people within the geographical locations in Ghana where the oil production is going to take place,” he emphasized.