Tongu Dredgers Association protests NAIMOS equipment destruction

The Tongu Dredgers Association has launched a formal protest against the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) regarding the destruction of sand-mining equipment along the Volta River. The association is calling for an immediate cessation of the secretariat's activities in the region, arguing that the enforcement actions are unfairly targeting legitimate local businesses. This development follows recent operations by the state task force that have resulted in significant financial losses for the dredging community and sparked concerns over the future of the local economy.

According to the association, their dredging activities are conducted in accordance with safety regulations and serve a dual purpose of providing economic value and environmental protection. They maintain that sand mining helps mitigate flooding by desilting the riverbed, which prevents water from overflowing into nearby communities during periods of heavy rain. The group emphasized that their industry is a primary source of livelihood for approximately 30,000 residents in the Tongu area, and the destruction of their tools directly threatens the survival of thousands of families who depend on the river for income.

The protesters are demanding that the government intervene to establish a more equitable framework for their operations. Specifically, they are requesting the allocation of designated concessions for safe sand mining, pointing out that larger firms contracted by the Volta River Authority (VRA) are permitted to operate in the same waters. The association argues that providing formal concessions would ensure that artisanal dredgers can work safely and legally, regulated under the same standards as corporate entities rather than being treated as illegal miners.

Beyond the immediate issue of equipment destruction, the association urged for fair working conditions and compensation for residents previously affected by floods in the region. They expressed a willingness to collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure sustainable mining practices but insisted that the current approach by NAIMOS is destructive to the local social fabric. The dredgers remain hopeful that President John Mahama’s administration will address their concerns and provide a permanent solution that balances environmental protection with the economic necessity of the 30,000 residents they represent.