The District Chief Executive (DCE) for North Tongu, Victoria Amefadzi Yawa Doe, has embarked on a monitoring exercise to assess the activities of sand-winning operators in parts of the district.

The exercise, conducted early on Friday morning, took the DCE and her team to several sites in Battor, where concerns have been raised about irresponsible sand-winning practices.

The visit, which was carried out in the company of the District Director and a joint security team comprising officers from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service, formed part of the District Assembly’s broader efforts to ensure that all sand-winning operations are undertaken in a manner that safeguards lives, protects property, and preserves the environment.

Addressing the media following the inspection, Victoria Yawa Doe expressed serious concern over the destructive nature of activities observed at some sites. She described the extent of environmental degradation witnessed as alarming and unacceptable, warning that if left unchecked, it could result in dire consequences such as erosion, flooding, and the loss of farmland, all of which are vital to the livelihoods of local residents.

“The District Assembly is not opposed to sand winning in itself,” the DCE clarified. “We acknowledge that, when carried out responsibly, sand winning supports construction and development. However, what we cannot tolerate are the irresponsible practices that pose a serious threat to human life, property, and the environment.”

She underscored the need for operators to comply with established regulations and adopt best practices when extracting sand, in order to minimise environmental harm. The DCE emphasised that, while the Assembly is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment, it will not compromise on the safety and wellbeing of its citizens.

During the tour, the DCE and her entourage engaged with several sand winners, educating them on the importance of securing the appropriate permits and following responsible mining practices. She encouraged them to work collaboratively with the Assembly and environmental authorities to regularise their operations.

To ensure compliance, Yawa Doe announced that the District Assembly, in partnership with the security services, would conduct routine monitoring across all sand-winning communities within North Tongu. She warned that defaulters would face the full force of the law.

The tour forms part of a wider initiative by the North Tongu District Assembly to promote environmental conservation while balancing the district’s economic development needs.

When poorly regulated, sand winning can have devastating effects on the environment, including the destruction of vegetation, contamination of water bodies, and disruption of local ecosystems.

Authorities nationwide have stepped up enforcement efforts to regulate the practice, with the North Tongu District Assembly positioning itself as a leader in responsible environmental stewardship.