The parliamentary select committee on defence and interior has called for an increased investment in security in the Western Region as the country prepares for first oil in the final quarter of the year.

Business Ghana reports that Alhaji Mohammed Abubakari Sumani, chairman of the committee, has called on the Ghana Immigration Service and the Bureau of National Investigation at Sekondi to increase maritime and military security throughout the state.

At a press conference, he also praised the work of Ghana National Petroleum Company in boosting local oil and gas industry competences through training and development programmes.

He declared that training local workers to high standards of technical proficiency and managerial expertise would help to ensure the country benefits from oil and gas exploration.

Tullow is currently on target to achieve first oil by the end of the year and is investing in local skills development programmes to reduce reliance on outsourced labour during production and future exploration.

Getenergy for Ghana & West Africa, September 2010 - Accra