The Commercial Quarry Operators Association (CoQOA) has declared the growing encroachment on quarry lands a national emergency, warning that the situation poses serious threats to public safety, national infrastructure, and economic development.

In a press statement released on June 11, 2025, CoQOA raised alarm over the increasing illegal occupation of quarry lands and safety buffer zones across the country, with hotspots identified in Buoho, Ablekuma, Nsawam, and Budumburam.

“The alarming scale of encroachment on quarry lands across the country is causing rising threats to public safety and national development due to unauthorised occupation of quarry lands and buffer zones,” the statement said.

The association expressed concern over the construction of buildings dangerously close to active blasting sites—activities that violate Regulation 176 of the Minerals and Mining (Explosives) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177), which mandates a minimum 500-meter safety buffer between blasting zones and human settlements.

CoQOA clarified that licensed quarry operators are not responsible for safety breaches. Instead, it blamed unauthorised settlers for encroaching on legally protected zones and, in some cases, threatening operators, inciting public unrest, and manipulating public opinion through the media.

“This is not a case of operators flouting regulations, but of illegal settlers disregarding safety laws,” the association stated.

CoQOA warned that if left unchecked, the situation could lead to loss of lives, job cuts, stalled infrastructure projects, and significant revenue losses for the government.

The association issued a call to action to key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency, urging them to take immediate and decisive steps.

Among the specific measures CoQOA is demanding are:


  • Immediate demolition of all unauthorised structures within designated buffer zones


  • Prosecution of individuals involved in illegal land sales on quarry sites


  • Disconnection of utility services to settlers in restricted areas


  • Swift legal proceedings on all pending encroachment cases

CoQOA also appealed to the media to avoid sensationalism that misrepresents the situation and stokes public fear. It called for “formal government recognition of its association as a strategic partner in protecting quarry zones and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.”

The association concluded with a stern warning: if authorities fail to address these urgent concerns, CoQOA and its members may be forced to halt operations nationwide.

“Should these urgent issues continue to go unaddressed, CoQOA and its members may be compelled to suspend quarry operations nationwide to protect lives, equipment, and lawful concessions,” the statement said.