The Member of Parliament for Ayensuano Constituency in Eastern Region Ida Adjoa Asiedu has called for urgent action to tackle the growing menace of illegal and unsustainable sand winning activities, warning of the severe environmental, social, and health risk consequences.
Ayensuano District has been plagued with illegal sand wining menace for decades resulting in multiple deadly clashes between farmers and land guards hired by the illegal sand miners.
Addressing Parliament ,the MP stressed the escalating situation in Ayensuano, where communities including Kraboa, Coaltar, Asuboi, Otuase, Anfaso, and Aye Kukuoso are experiencing the devastating consequences of unregulated sand mining.
“Fertile farmlands are being reduced to barren, eroded plots. Open pits left behind become stagnant water bodies during the rainy season — breeding mosquitoes and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks,” the MP noted.
The legislator stressed that the problem extends far beyond his constituency, affecting communities across Ghana.
He pointed out that illegal sand winning, often conducted without proper licenses, violates environmental protection laws and continues to thrive due to weak enforcement.
The practice, he said, contributes to biodiversity loss, water pollution, farmland destruction, and land disputes, while also undermining efforts to combat climate change and protect food security.
Tragically, he recounted an incident on January 17, 2025, when a peaceful protest by farmers in Ayensuano against illegal sand miners turned violent, leading to the deaths of two people and injuries to several others following an attack by armed land guards allegedly hired by sand operators.
“This is unacceptable. It must never happen again,” he declared.
Hon. Ida Asiedu made strong proposals to comprehensively tackle the manace which include stricter enforcement of mining regulations at district, municipal, and national levels.
Also, alternative livelihood programs to reduce economic dependence on sand winning.
She also called for Public education campaigns on the environmental, social, and health dangers posed by illegal sand mining.
The MP also called for an investment in sustainable alternatives, such as the use of crushed rock and manufactured sand, which are being utilized in countries like China and the United States.
The lawmaker also urged for multi-sectoral approach involving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), civil society groups, and traditional leaders to tackle the menace.
He cautioned that failure to act would leave Ghana unprepared for the escalating effect.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
