Illegal sand-winning activities at Afienya and Dawhenya in the Greater Accra Region are raising concerns over the safety of high-tension electricity infrastructure and surrounding land.
Chairman of the National Association of Sand Stone Workers and Tipper Truck Drivers, Lyngstern Whyte, during a monitoring tour has warned that illegal operators are using heavy-duty machinery to excavate sand dangerously close to high-tension power lines and pylons.
According to Mr. Whyte, the continuous excavation around the pylons is weakening the surrounding land and could compromise the stability of the electricity infrastructure.
He warned that any collapse of the pylons or high-tension lines could result in a major power-related disaster, putting lives and property at risk.
Mr. Whyte also raised concerns about the environmental impact of the operations, citing the creation of deep pits, destruction of vegetation and farmlands, and the degradation of large portions of land in the affected areas.
He is calling on the Minerals Commission, NAIMOS, the District Assembly and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to urgently intervene, stop the illegal operations and enforce regulations governing sand winning.
The concerns were raised during a monitoring exercise by the Minerals Commission to identify areas heavily affected by illegal sand-winning activities and assess the extent of the damage.
Residents of Afienya and Dawhenya have also expressed concern over the growing dangers posed by the illegal activities, particularly the excavation close to power infrastructure and the deep pits left behind.
They are appealing to the relevant authorities to act swiftly to prevent possible accidents, protect lives and property, and stop further destruction of the environment.
