The residents of Gomoa Ojobi are calling for urgent government intervention as the constant blasts from the Pilot Stone Quarry continue to put their lives at risk.
A recent incident involving 65-year-old Isaac Ackom, who suffered a devastating head injury from an unannounced blast, has left him paralyzed and highlighted the urgent need for action.
The situation in Gomoa Ojobi is alarming, with over 5,000 residents living in fear of the next blast.
The Chinese stone quarry company has shown little regard for the community’s safety, blasting rocks without proper announcements.
The company’s response to Isaac’s medical bills, offering a mere GHC 3000 and refusing additional compensation, is equally unacceptable.
Residents have reported experiencing sleepless nights due to the indiscriminate blasting, which has also caused structural damage to homes and potentially harmed the environment.
The community is calling on the government, the Minerals Commission, and other stakeholders to intervene and ensure their safety.
According to the Chief Mining Officer of the Minerals Commission, Obiri Yeboah Twumasi, quarry operators are mandated by law to follow all safety standards, including maintaining a 500-meter distance from residential areas.
However, the residents of Gomoa Ojobi claim that these standards are not being met.
The community’s concerns are not limited to safety risks but also include the lack of compensation for damages caused by the blasts and the potential environmental impact.
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