The World Bank says it is ready to assist Ghana in the area of oil exploration so far as it would enhance the economic conditions of the ordinary people. Speaking in an interview with myjoyonline at the African Union summit grounds in Accra, the Country Director of the World Bank, Mr Mats Karlsson said if it is established that Ghana can produce oil in commercial quantities, its doors are always opened for the government to approach it for assistance. He said the news should be a great joy for Ghana “because it would give Ghana more resources.” Mr Karlsson said it is the World Bank’s interest to develop the economies of West Africa irrespective of the areas individual countries choose. He said: “We are very interested in developing the West Africa economy whether they are dependent on diamond, oil or bauxite. We are working in Sierra Leone, Liberia and in Guinea which have fantastic resources.” In the words of President Kufuor, Mr Karlsson said Ghana must make sure that the oil find at the Cape Three Points in the Western region should become a blessing and not a curse to the Ghanaian. He said natural resources such as oil if not managed well would bring about difficulties to society as happening in some countries. “We are so keen to help resource dependent countries to come about the threshold.” On the Economic Partnership Agreement for Africa by the European Union, Mr Karlsson advised African countries to look at their own interest and know what is best for them. “They have to negotiate hard for what they want; trade and internal orientation are what bring job. The World Bank is very much interested that African countries take a stage in the global economy so they should negotiate in their own interest.” Mr Karlsson suggested that African countries must push for market access that would reflect in the living standards of the ordinary people.