Civil society groups in the petroleum industry have impressed on authorities the need to ensure equity in the allocation of resources to affected communities in the exploration of oil.
They have cautioned of possible hostilities following instances of inequality in addressing some socio-economic impacts due to the exploration of resources.
The concerns come at a time when Ghana’s Ministry of Finance is developing a Petroleum Revenue Management Regulation to address some controversies associated with the allocation and disbursement of petroleum revenues.
The Ministry contends, the move will among other things reduce manipulation of resources by political parties and give value for money.
The Campaign Coordinator for the Integrated Social Development Centre, Dr. Steve Manteaw tells Citi Business News the adverse effects of inequality in resource allocation could be averted if current laws are formulated to address such concerns.
“We need to work in a way that allows us to address the issue of equity, people living very close to natural resource extraction also suffer economic and social oppression. If you go to the Western region for instance, you will find that the cost of housing has become expensive and the local people cannot afford so they are becoming like outcast in their own society and they can come back fighting for what they think belongs to them.” He said.
Dr. Manteaw further noted, “If as a result of oil activities communities have suffered economic impacts, we need to find a way of making extra budgetary allocation by ensuring that those affected get a bit more resources so they can they can address these daunting tasks and live as they used to or even better.”
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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana