Residents of four communities in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region have issued a one-week ultimatum to Day Shine Company Limited, a Chinese-owned quarry company, demanding immediate action over what they describe as the harmful impact of its quarrying operations on their communities.
The ultimatum follows a peaceful demonstration by residents of Amoamo, Anwiam, Amenase and Adankrangya, who accuse the company of endangering lives, damaging properties and degrading the environment through its blasting activities.
Carrying placards with messages such as “We Are Slaves in Our Own Communities,” “You Devil, Go Away,” and “Please Come to Our Aid,” the protesters marched through the affected communities before presenting separate petitions to the management of Day Shine Company Limited, traditional authorities and the Bekwai Municipal Assembly.
According to the residents, the company’s blasting operations are often conducted without adequate prior notice, leaving residents vulnerable to flying debris, loud explosions and vibrations. They claim the repeated blasting has caused cracks in several buildings, injured some residents and created fear among people living close to the quarry site.
Leading the protest, Assembly Member for the Adankrangya Electoral Area, Nyhiraba Abigail Opoku, said residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the company’s operations but have seen little response.
She alleged that despite the reported destruction to homes and injuries sustained by some residents, affected families have not received compensation or any meaningful support from the company.
Beyond the effects of the blasting, Abigail claimed the quarry’s activities have also negatively affected local livelihoods. She alleged that water bodies have been polluted, farmlands destroyed and agricultural production disrupted, leaving many farmers struggling to sustain their incomes.
She further claimed that chemicals associated with the quarry’s operations had contaminated crops and water sources used by surrounding communities, calling for a thorough investigation by the appropriate state institutions.
Appealing to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the government and environmental regulators, Abigail urged authorities to assess the situation and ensure residents are protected from any further harm.
She stressed that the demonstration was not intended to oppose development or investment but to demand responsible quarrying practices that prioritise public safety, environmental protection and the welfare of host communities.
The Assembly Member warned that if Day Shine Company Limited fails to respond to the communities’ concerns within one week and outline measures to address them, residents will petition the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace to seek further intervention.
Some protesters also alleged that efforts were made by certain traditional authorities to discourage or prevent the demonstration from taking place. They called for an independent investigation into those claims as well as the processes through which quarry companies are established and monitored in the area.
The residents further appealed to regulators to strengthen oversight of quarry operations to ensure companies comply with environmental, safety and mining regulations while respecting the rights of host communities.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the Bekwai Municipal Assembly, Municipal Coordinating Director Philimon Ankoli assured the demonstrators that their concerns would be forwarded to the relevant institutions.
He said the Assembly would engage all stakeholders, including the appropriate regulatory agencies, and provide feedback to the affected communities after consultations aimed at finding a lasting solution.
