Minerals Commission, EPA Restore Calm in Three Bekwai Communities for Quarry Operations

 

The Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have intervened to restore calm in three communities in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region, paving the way for the resumption of quarry operations by Day Shine Quarry Company Limited.

The affected communities Amoamo, Anwiam and Emenase had raised concerns over the operations of the quarry company, resulting in tensions between residents and the company.

Following engagements involving the relevant stakeholders, the Minerals Commission and the EPA have worked to address the concerns and establish conditions intended to regulate the company’s activities and promote peaceful coexistence between the company and the affected communities.

The intervention forms part of efforts to ensure that mining and quarrying activities are carried out in accordance with the laws, regulations and conditions governing such operations, while also taking into consideration the interests and concerns of host communities.

Speaking to the media after the engagements, Frank Osei Sarpong, Community Relations Officer at the Minerals Commission, said the Commission was committed to ensuring that quarry operators complied with the conditions attached to their operations.

He explained that the engagement was necessary to address the concerns raised by the communities and find a workable solution that would allow the company to operate while protecting the interests of residents.

According to him, continuous dialogue among the company, regulatory authorities and the communities remained important in preventing misunderstandings and ensuring that operations were conducted responsibly.

Mr. Osei Sarpong urged all parties to respect the agreed terms and conditions and use the appropriate channels to resolve any future concerns that might arise.

For his part, Sampson Yerenkyi Kisi-Adu, General Manager of Unistrom Group of Companies, who spoke on behalf of Day Shine Quarry Company Limited, said the company had agreed to the terms and conditions outlined to regulate its operations within the communities.

He said the company was prepared to work closely with the regulatory authorities and community leaders to ensure that its activities did not undermine the peace and wellbeing of residents.

Mr. Kisi-Adu assured the communities that Day Shine Quarry Company Limited would operate within the approved regulatory framework and remain open to dialogue with residents and other stakeholders.

He said the company recognised the importance of maintaining a good relationship with its host communities and was therefore committed to engaging them on issues relating to its operations.

He further called for cooperation from residents, stressing the need for all parties to work together to ensure that the company’s operations and the interests of the communities could coexist peacefully.

Meanwhile, Hon. Nhyiraba Abigail, Assembly Member for the Adankrangya Electoral Area, commended the media for its support in bringing attention to the concerns of the communities.

She said the media’s coverage of the situation had helped amplify the concerns of residents and contributed to bringing the relevant stakeholders together to find a resolution.

Hon. Abigail expressed appreciation to the Minerals Commission, the EPA, the company and community representatives for their willingness to engage and find common ground.

She said the development was a positive step towards restoring confidence among residents and ensuring that the affected communities could coexist peacefully with the quarry company.

She also called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities and the company as the agreed conditions were implemented.

The resolution is expected to pave the way for the resumption of quarry operations in the affected areas, subject to compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements.

Stakeholders have expressed optimism that the renewed understanding will promote peaceful relations between Amoamo, Anwiam and Emenase communities and Day Shine Quarry Company Limited.

They also stressed the importance of sustained engagement, effective monitoring and strict adherence to the agreed terms and conditions to prevent a recurrence of the issues that led to the earlier tensions.

The stakeholders believe that with continued cooperation among the regulatory agencies, the quarry company, community leaders and residents, quarrying activities can be undertaken in a manner that supports economic activity while safeguarding the interests and concerns of the host communities.

 

Source: ghanawatchonline.com/0546062832