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The blasting of rocks by a mining company at Awonakrom in the Mpohor Wassa East District in the Western Region is causing considerable air pollution and extensive cracks in buildings in the area. The mining company, Golden Star Resources, is located approximately 300 metres from Awonakrom and its frequent blastings leave in their trail clouds of dust which can gradually affect the health of the people. Additionally, a number of buildings are collapsing as a result of cracks resulting from the blasting by the mining company. The youth of Awonakrom are planning to demonstrate against the operations of the company, since, according to them, it had done nothing to address their concerns. When the Daily Graphic visited the community, it observed massive blasting whose vibration could be felt in the area. During one such blasting, some children who were playing became so terrified that they cried and ran for cover. According to some of the residents, they could not sleep at night because of the blasting and the fact that heavy-duty trucks operated virtually all night to cart the gold ore to the company�s plant. According to a community member, Mr Owusu Agyin, the neighbourhood had existed for over 100 years before the mining company started its operations two years ago. The community, he said, had made several attempts to get the company to operate in a more responsible manner and repair the damage caused by the constant blasting but �the only thing it did was to come and number the buildings in the community, without addressing the real issues on the ground�. The Group Manager of Public Affairs of Golden Star Resources, Ms Elaine Kwami, said the company had acknowledged the problem, adding that there were ongoing discussions to find out what could be done. When contacted, the Western Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr Yaw Osafo Afriyie, vowed to investigate and apply the appropriate sanctions to ensure that the right things were done.