By Grace Zigah
The National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association has accused some military personnel deployed to Afienya of shooting and brutally assaulting its members during an operation, leaving several victims injured, with some reportedly battling for their lives at the Tema General Hospital.
The association claims that the incident involved excessive use of force against truck operators and residents, alongside the seizure of mobile phones, impounding of tipper trucks and alleged destruction of vehicles during the security operation.
The allegations have sparked concern among sand and stone truck operators, who are demanding an independent investigation into the conduct of the military personnel involved and protection for businesses operating with valid licences and permits.
According to the Greater Accra Regional Vice-Chairman of the National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association, Abdul-Moomen Mohammed, popularly known as Chairman Kowa Naso, some of the affected members were engaged in what he described as legitimate business activities backed by the necessary operating documents.
He alleged that despite obtaining valid permits and securing clearance from the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly, the operators had been prevented from accessing their business sites, resulting in tensions between the drivers and security personnel.
Chairman Kowa Naso further accused the military personnel of subjecting members and some residents to physical abuse, claiming that several people sustained injuries during the operation and had to be rushed to the Tema General Hospital for medical attention.
The association is particularly concerned about reports that some victims are in critical condition, although the full number of injured persons and the extent of their injuries have not yet been independently established.
The Afienya incident has also brought renewed attention to complaints by tipper truck operators in the Ningo-Prampram area over military operations linked to restrictions on sand-winning activities.
The association argues that while it recognises the need for security agencies to enforce the law and prevent illegal sand winning, such operations should be conducted within the confines of the law and should not result in the indiscriminate assault of people engaged in legitimate business.
It is therefore demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged shootings, assaults, seizure of mobile phones and destruction of trucks, as well as accountability for any personnel found to have acted unlawfully.
The association has also appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and ensure that legitimate operators are protected from what it describes as excessive military action.
