Quarry Operators Seek Shift from Dollar to Cedi in Regulatory Payments

The Commercial Quarry Operators Association (COQUA) has appealed to the Ghanaian government to revise regulatory fee structures by converting charges currently paid in US dollars into Ghana cedis. The Association believes this policy change would ease financial pressures on local quarry businesses and support the sector’s long-term sustainability.

This appeal was made during a refresher training programme held in Bolgatanga, themed “Management and Best Practices in Quarry Operation.” The event was organized by COQUA in collaboration with the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission and brought together quarry operators from various regions, including Ashanti, North East, Upper East, and Upper West.

Alhaji Iddrisu Yeldza, Chairman of COQUA’s Upper North branch, emphasized that dollar-denominated regulatory fees significantly increase operating costs for quarry operators. He argued that such policies create financial challenges for an industry already burdened by rising input costs and market instability.

“Paying regulatory fees in dollars places an unnecessary strain on our businesses, especially when we earn revenues in cedis,” Alhaji Yeldza said. “We urge the government to review this system and allow us to pay these fees in local currency.”

He further highlighted the quarry industry’s critical contribution to national development, particularly in the area of infrastructure. “The roads, schools, hospitals, and other key public infrastructure projects depend on materials sourced from quarries. Our work supports the foundation of national progress,” he added.

Alhaji Yeldza also called on investors to consider establishing quarry operations in the Sissala East and Sissala West Districts of the Upper West Region. He stressed that these areas have abundant raw materials and a strong demand for quarry products, offering an untapped opportunity for investment and development.

During a presentation on industry challenges, Mr. Jacob Labon, the Upper Quarry Manager, urged the government to decentralise the permit acquisition process for quarry operations. He criticized the current system, which requires operators to travel to Accra to secure permits from the Minerals Commission.

“This centralised system is costly and inefficient,” Mr. Labon said. “Operators must spend days in Accra just to complete procedures that could easily be handled at the regional level. Decentralising permit issuance would save both time and money.”

He noted that streamlining the permitting process would not only reduce costs but also encourage compliance and formalisation of more quarry operations across the country.

Ms. Georgina Dziwornu, Executive Secretary of COQUA, encouraged members to maintain unity and cooperation within the Association. She emphasized that a united front is essential for effective advocacy and the advancement of the sector’s interests.

“Our strength lies in our ability to work together,” she said. “When we speak with one voice, our concerns are more likely to be heard and addressed by policymakers.”

Ms. Dziwornu expressed concern over the perceived lack of recognition given to the quarry industry by successive governments, despite the sector’s indispensable role in supporting national growth. She called on government officials to actively involve COQUA in relevant policy discussions and decision-making processes.

“The quarry industry is too important to be left out of key government conversations,” she remarked. “We contribute significantly to GDP, employment, and infrastructure development. It’s time that our contributions are acknowledged in practical ways.”

The event concluded with calls for stronger collaboration between government agencies, industry players, and potential investors to address key challenges in the sector. COQUA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible quarrying practices, enhancing professionalism, and working with stakeholders to create a more enabling environment for operators across the country.