The National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association has accused some military personnel of allegedly attacking its members at Afienya in the Greater Accra Region, leaving several people injured, with some reportedly hospitalised and fighting for their lives.
The association claims that security personnel deployed during operations against sand-winning activities subjected truck drivers and residents to excessive physical force, allegedly shooting at some individuals, confiscating mobile phones and impounding and damaging tipper trucks.
The allegations have sparked renewed concerns about the conduct of security officers enforcing restrictions on sand-winning and related activities, particularly following similar complaints from tipper truck operators in the Ningo-Prampram area.
Tipper Truck Drivers Allege Military Brutality at Afienya
According to the Greater Accra Regional Vice-Chairman of the association, Abdul-Moomen Mohammed, popularly known as Kowa Naso, several members engaged in what they describe as legitimate business activities have been prevented from accessing their operations.
He maintained that the affected truck operators possess valid licences and permits authorising their activities, including clearance from the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly.
The association argues that operators who have fulfilled the necessary legal and regulatory requirements should not be subjected to intimidation, physical assault or restrictions that prevent them from conducting their businesses.
Association Demands Investigation into Alleged Military Assault
The National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association is calling for an independent investigation into the alleged violence, shooting incidents and destruction of property during the military operation at Afienya.
The group is also demanding accountability over the alleged seizure of mobile phones, damage to trucks and injuries sustained by its members.
It has appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and ensure that legitimate sand-winning operators and commercial truck drivers are protected from what it describes as excessive military action.
Fresh Concerns Over Enforcement of Sand-Winning Restrictions
The latest allegations have intensified debate over the methods used by security personnel to enforce restrictions on sand-winning activities in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
While efforts to regulate illegal sand mining and protect the environment remain important, the association insists that enforcement operations must respect the rights of individuals and businesses operating with valid permits.
The allegations have also renewed calls for transparency, proper supervision of security operations and accountability whenever claims of excessive force or abuse of authority emerge.
The reported incidents at Afienya and Ningo-Prampram are likely to increase pressure on the relevant authorities to investigate the complaints and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged clashes.
Source: newsthemegh.com