Ashanti Region: Seniagya elders warn of livelihood crisis as illegal sand operations intensify
Chiefs, elders, and people of Seniagya in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti region have made a passionate appeal to the district assembly for urgent intervention to stop illegal sand-winning activities in the area.
The community noted the illegal activities are destroying their lands and livelihoods, a situation they believed must be immediately curbed.
Addressing the media with the elders and residents, Nana Ama Agyekumwaa Adomakoaa expressed deep concern over what she described as the continuous and uncontrolled sand-winning operations in the community.
According to her, the activities have led to severe environmental degradation, including the destruction of fertile farmlands, pollution of water sources, and the loss of food crops cultivated by local farmers.
Nana Ama Agyekumwaa Adomakoaa explained that agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for many families in Seniagya, and the ongoing destruction of arable lands is threatening food security and economic stability in the area.
Large portions of once-productive farmland, she noted, have been turned into deep pits and degraded landscapes, making farming increasingly difficult.
The queen mother further alleged that some of the sand winners have also engaged in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on the same lands without the knowledge or consent of the traditional authorities and residents.
Nana Ama Agyekumwaa Adomakoaa described the situation as unlawful and disrespectful to the community’s leadership structure.
According to her, the issue has been reported to the police on several occasions, yet the activities persist. She expressed frustration over the lack of effective enforcement, stating that despite repeated complaints, no lasting solution has been achieved.
“We are calling on Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and President John Dramani Mahama to come to our aid and help stop these illegal activities,” she appealed.
“Our lands, our water bodies, and our food crops are being destroyed. If this continues, our future will be in serious danger.”
Nana Ama Agyekumwaa Adomakoaa also issued a strong warning that the people of Seniagya would no longer sit unconcerned while their lands are destroyed.
She stressed that the community is determined to protect its resources and preserve them for future generations.
Some residents and farmers who also spoke to the media shared similar concerns, recounting how the sand-winning operations have disrupted farming activities and reduced crop yields.
They noted that polluted water sources have made access to clean water increasingly difficult for both domestic use and irrigation.
The residents emphasised that they are not opposed to development but insisted that any economic activity must be carried out legally and in a manner that safeguards the environment and respects traditional authority.
They therefore appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and President John Dramani Mahama to urgently investigate the matter and ensure that the necessary measures are taken to halt the illegal sand-winning activities in Seniagya.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
