Quarry Operators raise alarm over encroachment on concessions

The Commercial Quarry Operators Association (CoQOA) has issued a stark warning that it may be forced to suspend quarry operations across Ghana, if urgent action is not taken to address what it describes as a dangerous rise in land encroachment, misinformation and threats against its members.

In a press release dated June 12, 2025 and signed by its Executive Secretary, Georgina Dziwornu, CoQOA sounded the alarm over the worsening situation in key quarrying zones, including Buoho, Ablekuma, Nsawam and Budumburam.

The Association says illegal settlements and construction are rapidly encroaching on lands legally designated for quarry operations, creating serious safety risks and undermining national infrastructure development.

According to CoQOA, structures are now being built within just 10 to 20 meters of active blasting sites – far below the minimum 500-meter buffer mandated by Regulation 176 of the Minerals and Mining (Explosives) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177).

The Association emphasised that such violations not only endanger lives, but also paralyze the lawful activities of quarry companies that have complied with environmental and land-use regulations.

“Contrary to public perception, it is not licensed quarry operators violating safety protocols, but unauthorised settlers breaching legally protected zones,” the release stated adding, “Some encroachers have gone further to issue threats, incite unrest, and manipulate public sentiment through the media.”

The Association accused certain media outlets of promoting misinformation and sensationalism, which it says further distorts public understanding of the situation and contributes to the hostility facing legitimate operators.

CoQOA is appealing to journalists and media houses to verify facts and avoid amplifying the voices of encroachers without context.

CoQOA has issued an urgent appeal to several government institutions, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Minerals Commission, and Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

The others are Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Environmental Protection Agency to intervene.

Recommended Measures

The Association is calling for a series of immediate actions to prevent further escalation:

Demolition of all unauthorized structures within protected quarry buffer zones, in line with Act 936 (Local Government Act, 2016), Prosecution of individuals and officials involved in the illegal sale and occupation of quarry lands, Disconnection of public utility services to illegal structures, Speedy resolution of all court cases related to land encroachment, Formal government recognition of CoQOA as a strategic partner in enforcing regulatory compliance.

CoQOA reiterated its commitment to safe, environmentally responsible quarry operations but warned that if the current threats continue unaddressed, members may have no choice but to halt operations to safeguard lives, equipment and Ghana’s construction sector.

“The time for action is now,” the statement concluded.

“We will not stand idle while the integrity of our industry and the safety of our communities are put at risk.”

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