Over 20 residents of Buoho in the Afigya Kwabre South District of the Ashanti Region have had their homes and properties damaged following a powerful blast at a quarry company operating nearby.
The Tuesday morning explosion reportedly destroyed several household items, including electronic gadgets such as television sets.
The affected homes are situated close to the KAS Quarry Company, which has been active in the area for years. Residents say the frequent blasting activities from the quarry often create panic and anxiety in the community.
In the wake of the latest incident, residents expressed frustration and concern for their safety, calling on authorities to address the risks posed by the company’s operations. They lamented the extent of the destruction, which has left many feeling vulnerable in their own homes.
Efforts to reach representatives of the KAS Quarry Company for comments on the matter have so far been unsuccessful.
“The company does its blasting activities without considering the lives here. There are people in this area and all of them were given permits by the authorities before they put up their buildings. They should let us have our peace. They blast the stones anyhow, without thinking about our safety.
“Aside from the blasting, their activities also result in dust, which affects our health. We confronted them some time ago on these issues”, stated Regina Pokuaa Adusei Poku, a resident at Buoho.
“Part of our structures have been damaged, and our electronic gadgets have also been destroyed following the blasting by the company. Whenever they raise the alarm before the blasting, it comes at very short notice. Sometimes, we fear for the lives of our children. They carry out their activities late into the night, and it is not always good for us, especially with children in our midst”, lamented Habiba Issah, a resident of Buoho.
“There is always panic in the area, especially when they are about to blast the stones. We no longer feel safe living here. There was a similar incident that resulted in damaging property, and the affected owners had to go to the company to ensure the company repaired the damage,” Salamatu Ali, a Resident at Buoho lamented.
“There is always fear whenever the blasting is done. This is not the first time this has happened, and we continue to report this to the management of the company, but nothing is being done”, stated Sakina Ahmed, a resident at Buoho.
The Assembly Member for the Buoho Electoral Area is calling on authorities to step in and address the safety concerns raised by the community. Efforts to reach the management of KAS Products Limited for comment were unsuccessful.
There has been a long-standing dispute between quarry companies operating in the Afigya Kwabre South District and residents living within the buffer zones of these sites.
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