Shama: Chinese-owned quarry was operating illegally, minerals commission

Several individuals are still missing after the explosion at the quarry owned by Sta Addsams Enterprise in Shama in the Western Region on Sunday

Fred Dzakpata September 11, 2023

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The Minerals Commission has said the Chinese-owned quarry where an explosion occurred over the weekend leading to five deaths and several injuries was operating illegally.

Several individuals are still missing after the explosion at the quarry owned by Sta Addsams Enterprise in Shama in the Western Region on Sunday.

It was not immediately clear what caused the blast, which destroyed buildings near the quarry and left rubble strewn across swathes of agricultural land.

Many night shift workers said to be Ghanaian and Chinese nationals have been burnt, some beyond recognition, according to eyewitnesses.

A statement issued by the Minerals Commission on Monday (11 September), said: “The company has applied for a restricted mining lease for granite commonly referred to as a quarry.’

“The recommendation for the company to be considered for the grant of a formal lease was granted on 20^th March 2023. At the time of the explosion, the company has not issued a lease by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources,” the Minerals Commission statement said.

Below is the full statement:

Reporting by Fred Dzakpata in Accra

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