5 shot dead over sand winning dispute

Five persons have been shot dead at a sand-winning site in Asiyaw, located in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The tragic incident took place during a mediation meeting intended to address escalating tensions from illegal sand mining activities, which local farmers claim are damaging their farmlands and jeopardising food production.

Crops such as cassava, maize, and pawpaw have reportedly been severely impacted due to the illegal mining activities.

In response to a series of complaints from the community members, the boundary chief of the Adonteng Division of the Akuapem Traditional Area, accompanied by his subjects, visited the site to arbitrate the matter.

Upon their arrival at the site, the situation escalated when armed men, reportedly acting under the direction of individuals named Togbe and Alanyo, opened fire on the chief’s delegation.

The chaos that ensued resulted in the tragic loss of at least five lives.

Although the Nsawam police have yet to comment on the situation, investigations are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators.

Sand winning, like illegal mining popularly known as ‘galamsey’, has become a canker in most parts of the country.