Over ten communities—namely Kplande, Gbugbla, Dornu, Osofo Lamptey, Kyekyere, Tatsonya, Okpe, Afanya, and Ayima—in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region have protested against illegal sand winning activities destroying their farmlands and cemetery.According to the residents, a group of sand winners has been operating illegally in the area for some time, destroying crops on farmlands and digging around the community cemetery.
They also alleged that the sand winners often threaten them with guns whenever they attempt to stop their activities.
The residents say the illegal activities have destroyed large portions of land and have even exposed some graves in the cemetery.
Speaking to the media, more than 100 residents expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that the destruction of their farmlands could severely affect their livelihoods.
They are therefore calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), President John Dramani Mahama, and other security agencies to intervene immediately to stop the illegal sand winning activities and protect their lives and property.
Meanwhile, a Gbugbla community elder, Nateh Eyum, revealed that several complaints have already been made to the Amasaman Police Station, the Adieso District Police, and other authorities, but no action has been taken so far.
According to him, the illegal sand winners continue to threaten residents and destroy their farmlands despite the reports made to the authorities.
In a related development, the Assembly Member for the Akweiman Electoral Area, Odartey Lamptey, has called on authorities to act swiftly to protect residents and their farmlands from further destruction by the illegal sand winners.
Source: Nana Ansah Matthew, Oyerepa Central Regional Correspondent.
