Ghana is to receive a grant of $6.5 million from the Norwegian government. The money will be used for the protection of the country’s eco-system as well as address other challenges posed by oil exploration. This was disclosed during the visit of the Crown Prince of Norway to Accra. Prince Haakon is on a three-day visit with the Crown Princess. Environment Minister Sherry Aryeetey says Ghana will also tap the rich experience of Norway to maximize the benefits of oil exploration. She said while Ghana greatly appreciated the gesture, “It is our hope that Norway will continue to support us in strengthening the capacity of relevant institutions so that we can also leverage the resources of the oil and gas sector to precipitate accelerated sustainable development of this industry.” She regretted that although African countries were endowed with abundant natural resources, many of them remained poor, stressing that “We in Ghana are focused on breaking the ironic trend and we are grateful to Norway for the support.” Norwegian Minister for Environment, Erik Solheim, called for transparency in the distribution of the country’s oil revenue to avoid associated conflicts. He said the country’s political leaders must remember that oil the resource belongs to the people and must therefore serve their supreme interest. Source: Joy Business/Ghana