Ntri-Buoho (Ashanti), 25 Jan. '99,

The people of Ntri-Buoho in the Kwabre District have appealed to the government not to grant permit to any company or organisation that is manoeuvring to operate a new quarry in the area. They claimed companies operating in the area have done very little to facilitate the socio- economic development of the community and, therefore, they are not prepared to accept a new company, which plans to work on a central rock in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the people, Mr Samson Adu-Poku, the Assembly member for the area said though no notices have been displayed concerning the sale of the "mighty rock", feasibility studies being carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Land Valuation Officers and the allegations that the rock has already been sold have created tension in the town.

The operations of the KASS and Kumasi Stone quarries, he said, leaves much to be desired since they have led to loss of lives, destruction of property and interruptions in their daily lives. "All these are issues that put fear and anger in the people," adding "we will resist the operations of any company at all cost, because we will not sit down for a group of people in the area to sell the rock at the expense of our lives and property". He said that the rock, which covers a large area serves as a windbreak and source of rivers and the operation of a new quarry with the blasting of rocks and flying stones will deprive them of these natural gifts and also disrupt their economic activities.