George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines has encouraged licensed quarry operators in the country to collaborate with their respective Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies as well as Traditional authorities to tackle the menace of encroachment on their concessions.
According to Mireku Duker, effective coordination between the three parties is needed to forestall the illegal activity.
Addressing the Media during a working visit to some quarry sites in the Shai Osudoku Municipality in the Greater Accra Region, Duker raised the argument that since the granting of licensing for the erection of structures are done by the MMDAs, it was imperative that the companies worked with them to ensure areas designated for quarrying activities are protected and not offered to the public for other activities.
He noted that through such collaborations, structures and buildings sited in quarry sites without authorisation could be demolished, as they are illegal. The Deputy Minister also assured the companies that the government will also avail itself to facilitate the smooth operation of their activities
He espoused government holds a responsibility to protect companies who, through their legitimate activities, provide employment opportunities for Ghanaians and that as long as the ministry is satisfied with the operations of the companies, it will make personnel and resources available to address their issues.
Mireku Duker also admonished the quarry operators to form a recognized body that will set their prices. He justified that if all the companies unite under one umbrella and announce specific prices for the stones, the public will adhere to such directive, but when there are different organizations with competing and price variation, the public will have the option of going for the price that suits their budget and demand.
Duker promised that government through the Ministry will be ready to coordinate such meetings.
