A concerned citizen has petitioned environmental authorities over widespread illegal sand mining operations threatening agricultural lands and livelihoods across Ghana’s Upper East Region.
Emmanuel Atindah, a native of the region, submitted a formal complaint to the Environmental Protection Authority on Oct. 17, detailing destructive mining activities in the Bongo, Talensi and Kassena Nankana West districts that have consumed farmlands and degraded the landscape over two decades.
The operations, concentrated in communities including Balungo, Lungo, Pwalugu and Sirigu, remove up to 30 truckloads of sand daily during the dry season, according to Atindah’s observations. Each truckload sells for approximately 3,000 cedis ($200), with loader operators charging 150 to 200 cedis per truck.
Mr. Achindiba Dickson, Minerals Commission Manager in Bolgatanga, confirmed no individual or company holds a valid license for sand-winning activities in the region. Only one applicant from Pwalugu has applied for a permit, which remains under review.
The illegal mining strips fertile topsoil, leaving deep pits that expand as surrounding soil collapses. Exposed surfaces become vulnerable to erosion during rainfall, creating gullies and rendering land unproductive.
“If urgent action is not taken, the region could face a severe agricultural crisis in the near future,” Atindah wrote in his submission.
The practice also deprives district assemblies of revenue from permit fees, environmental taxes and royalties that could fund roads, schools and health facilities, according to the complaint.
Atindah’s letter was copied to the Minerals Commission, district chief executives of the affected areas, the Regional Minister and local media houses.
The EPA has not yet issued a public response to the petition.
Source: a1radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Bolgatanga
