The National Chairman of the National Association of Sand and Stone Workers and Tipper Truck Users (NASSWOTTU), Samuel Amoah, has called on sand winners across the country to adhere strictly to environmental regulations and secure the requisite permits under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), to curb environmental degradation.

His appeal was made during a ceremony to inaugurate a new NASSWOTTU branch at Coaltar in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, an initiative aimed at strengthening oversight and promoting responsible sand winning practices in the area.

Mr Amoah underscored the growing environmental risks associated with unregulated sand winning, noting that the activity continues to degrade farmlands and pollute water bodies.

He stressed the need for operators to align their activities with legal and environmental standards to safeguard the country’s natural resources and ensure long-term sustainability.

“Compliance is not optional; it is essential for preserving our environment and protecting livelihoods,” he stated, urging stakeholders within the sector to embrace responsible operational practices.

Meanwhile, the Ayensuano District Chairman of NASSWOTTU, William Sam-Tei, revealed that the District Assembly has imposed a ban on sand winning due to persistent illegal activities by some operators.

He indicated that the newly inaugurated executives would implement robust measures to regulate the sector and eliminate unlawful practices.

Mr Sam-Tei further appealed to members to comply fully with the Minerals and Mining Act and prioritise land reclamation after operations to mitigate environmental damage.

The inauguration of the Coaltar branch forms part of broader efforts by NASSWOTTU to promote accountability and sustainable resource management within the sand winning industry.