In Buoho, a community in the Afigya Kwabre South District of the Ashanti Region, over 20 households have been left devastated following a powerful explosion at a nearby quarry on Tuesday morning. The blast, originating from the KAS Quarry Company, caused significant damage to homes and properties, destroying household items, including valuable electronic gadgets such as television sets. Residents are calling for immediate intervention to address the ongoing safety concerns and prevent further tragedies.
The KAS Quarry Company has been operating in the area for years, but its blasting activities have become a growing source of anxiety and frustration for the community. Residents living close to the quarry say the explosions are frequent and often occur with little warning, causing fear and panic. The aftermath of these blasts has led to cracks in buildings, damage to household items, and a general sense of insecurity among the residents.
Several residents have shared their harrowing experiences, describing the dire impact of the company’s operations on their lives. Regina Pokuaa Adusei Poku, a resident of Buoho, lamented the lack of consideration for their safety. She explained that despite living in homes built with proper permits, the blasting continues to disrupt their lives, creating a hazardous environment.
“The company does its blasting activities without considering the people living here. They were given permits to operate, but that doesn’t mean they should ignore the well-being of residents. We want to live in peace, but the blasting has made it impossible,” Regina said.
Another resident, Habiba Issah, expressed frustration over the destruction caused to their properties. “Our homes are no longer safe. The blasts come with such force that our walls are cracking, and our electronic gadgets are being destroyed. Sometimes, the alarms before the blasts come too late, giving us no time to prepare. It’s even worse for our children, who get frightened by the noise and tremors,” she said.
The impact of the quarry's activities goes beyond physical damage. The dust generated by the blasting has raised health concerns among residents, who fear the long-term effects of prolonged exposure. “We’ve complained about the dust and the blasts, but nothing has been done. It’s affecting our health, especially the children,” said Salamatu Ali, another affected resident.
For some, the fear and panic caused by the blasts are even more distressing than the physical damage. “We live in constant fear. Every time there’s a blast, we worry about what might happen next. This isn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last unless something is done,” said Sakina Ahmed, a resident who has experienced several such incidents in the past.
The community has repeatedly reported their concerns to the management of KAS Quarry Company, but their grievances have gone unanswered. This lack of response has left many feeling abandoned and helpless. Residents are now appealing to local authorities and regulatory bodies to intervene and hold the company accountable for the damage caused.
The Assembly Member for the Buoho Electoral Area has joined the call for action, urging authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community. He emphasized the need for stricter regulations and oversight to ensure that quarry operations do not put lives and properties at risk.
The issue of quarry companies operating within residential areas has been a contentious one in the Afigya Kwabre South District. Over the years, disputes have arisen between these companies and residents, with many questioning the enforcement of safety regulations and the adequacy of buffer zones between the quarries and homes.
While efforts to reach the management of KAS Quarry Company for comments have been unsuccessful, the residents of Buoho remain hopeful that their voices will be heard. They are calling for immediate measures to mitigate the risks posed by the quarry’s activities, including stricter enforcement of safety protocols and compensation for the damages incurred.
The devastating effects of the quarry’s operations serve as a stark reminder of the need for a balance between industrial development and community safety. As the residents of Buoho continue to grapple with the aftermath of this latest incident, their plight underscores the urgent need for authorities to take action and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
The people of Buoho are determined to fight for their right to live in a safe and healthy environment. Their appeal is not just for themselves but for all communities across Ghana facing similar challenges from industrial activities. They hope their story will inspire meaningful change and accountability from both the companies involved and the regulatory bodies tasked with protecting citizens’ welfare.
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