Tipper truck drivers accuse military of shootings in Afienya

The National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association has accused military personnel of using excessive force, including live ammunition, during an enforcement operation in Afienya. Several drivers were reportedly shot and injured, leading to hospitalizations at the Tema General Hospital. The incident occurred as security forces attempted to enforce restrictions on sand-winning activities in the Greater Accra Region, sparking calls for immediate government intervention.

According to the association’s Greater Accra Regional Vice-Chairman, Abdul-Moomen Mohammed, the military's actions involved not only shootings but also physical abuse and the destruction of property. Witnesses reported that soldiers seized mobile phones from drivers and residents while damaging several tipper trucks during the operation. Mohammed emphasized that the targeted drivers are licensed operators who have been unfairly prevented from conducting their legitimate businesses despite holding the necessary documentation.

The reported violence has sparked significant concern among local leaders and victims. Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has reportedly called for disciplinary action against the officers involved in the assault. The association noted that this is not an isolated incident, pointing to similar grievances regarding military conduct recently recorded in the Ningo-Prampram area. Some of the injured drivers are said to be in critical condition following the confrontation.

In response to the unrest, the association is calling for a full investigation into the military’s conduct to ensure accountability. They have appealed directly to President John Mahama to intervene and protect licensed operators from further aggression. The drivers maintain that while they support legal regulations on sand winning, the use of military force against documented workers undermines their safety and the rule of law.