Assin South Farmers Protest As Alleged Illegal Sand Winning Destroys Farmlands

Farmers at Mangoase-Odumanim in the Assin South District of the Central Region have staged a protest against what they describe as illegal sand-winning activities, which they say are destroying their farmlands, threatening livelihoods, and undermining local food security.

According to the aggrieved farmers, the sand-winning operations were allegedly carried out without their consent or compensation, leaving many of them economically devastated.

They claim several farmlands cultivating crops such as cassava, plantain, and oil palm were cleared by the operators, pushing affected households to the brink of hunger.

The farmers further alleged that some traditional leaders in the Assin Andoe Traditional Area, who serve as custodians of the land, sold portions of the land to sand winners without consultation or negotiation with the farmers.

During the protest, the farmers made a passionate appeal to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and former President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and bring an immediate halt to the alleged destruction.

Some of the protesters, who spoke to Angel News, warned that continued inaction by authorities could force them to defend themselves, stressing that their livelihoods are at stake.

Meanwhile, an elder of the community, Nana Mark Koomson, also appealed to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, the IGP, former President Mahama, and the Assin South Police Command to act swiftly to protect the farmers and their lands.

Responding to the allegations, Nana Antwi, a traditional leader from Assin Andoe, admitted selling land to contractors for sand-winning activities but denied claims that the operations had destroyed farmlands.

However, the Chief of Assin Andoe, Nana Kwaku Atta Banafo, in an interview with Angel News, stated that his palace did not sanction any sand-winning activity in the area and revealed that he has directed the police to halt the operations until the concerns raised by the farmers are addressed.

Story by; Kwame Owusu Asante Shadrack, Rich FM Assin Fosu.