The National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association has appealed to the government to investigate alleged intimidation, harassment and mistreatment of its members by some security personnel during anti-illegal mining operations at sand-winning sites.
The association said some operators had reported physical assaults, seizures of mobile phones and other personal belongings, as well as the impoundment and alleged damage of trucks and equipment during enforcement activities.
Speaking on behalf of the association at a media engagement on Monday, November 2, 2026, the Greater Accra Regional Vice-Chairman of the association, Abdul-Moomen Mohammed, popularly known as Kowa Naso, said the incidents had created uncertainty among operators who claimed to be conducting legitimate businesses.
He said some members had encountered difficulties accessing sites they believed had the requisite operating permits, despite seeking clarification from the relevant authorities.
Mr Mohammed also alleged that some impounded trucks had been used by some personnel believed to be security operatives before being returned, and called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding such incidents.
He appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, the relevant ministries and regulatory institutions to intervene and ensure that enforcement personnel operated within their lawful mandate.
The association further expressed concern about a proposed increase in the price of a truckload of sand from GH¢600 to GH¢1,000, describing the adjustment as excessive. Mr Mohammed said the increase could raise operating costs for truck owners and ultimately affect construction costs and consumers.
Transparency
The Acting National Chairman of the association, Anthony Mensah, called for a transparent system to regulate access to licensed sand-winning sites and improve relations among contractors, sand winners and truck operators.
He explained that contractors were required to obtain permits and clearances from regulatory institutions, including the Environmental Protection Authority and the Minerals Commission, before commencing operations. Mr Mensah proposed a clear identification system, including designated flags for licensed contractors, to help drivers identify authorised sites and avoid disputes. He also advocated the use of appropriate equipment and technology to strengthen monitoring and revenue collection.
For his part, a former General Secretary of the association, Jonathan Omabale, said operators supported the government's efforts to combat illegal mining but wanted enforcement activities conducted within the law. He recalled an earlier operation involving the Minerals Commission, which he said was conducted professionally, without reports of physical assaults or destruction of property. However, he said subsequent enforcement activities had generated concerns among operators over the treatment of drivers and the handling of seized equipment.
Seizures
Mr Omabale alleged that some operators had paid more than GH¢25,000 to secure the release of their confiscated trucks and equipment, only for the same machinery to be impounded again within four or five days. He said the repeated seizures were imposing financial difficulties on operators who claimed to have regularised their documentation.
He disclosed that the association had engaged the Minerals Commission on several occasions over the past three to four months to resolve the matter. He also called for clarification on the respective roles and authority of personnel involved in the operations, including those of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat.
Mr Omabale said some affected operators had reportedly sustained injuries and were receiving medical attention. The association urged the government to facilitate dialogue among the affected operators, the Minerals Commission and the relevant security agencies, warning that its members might organise a demonstration if their concerns remained unresolved.
