Sand contractors seek regulatory clarity over enforcement operations at Dawa

The Sand and Stone Contractors Association of Ghana has called on state authorities to clarify the regulatory procedures governing sand-winning and transportation activities at Dawa and neighbouring communities.

The Association says uncertainty surrounding enforcement operations, documentation requirements and the issuance of fines is creating difficulties for sand winners and tipper truck operators and requires urgent attention from the relevant institutions.

In a petition signed by its Acting National Chairman, Anthony Mensah, the Association said it had approached several state institutions, including the Minerals Commission, the Ghana Military Police, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Tema Regional Police Command and the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, to seek intervention.

It said the concerns relate to activities affecting operators at Dawa, Sege Volivo, Tokpo and Lurta, as well as members operating from several surrounding communities.

These include Dawhenya, Prampram, Afienya, Spintex Junction, Nungua, Dodowa, Adenta, Amrahia, Tsopoli, Teshie Tsui Bleoo, Tema Motorway Roundabout, Mataheko and Mobole.

A major concern raised in the petition is the need for clarity regarding the authority of personnel undertaking enforcement operations and the procedures governing the issuance of receipts and notices of fines.

The Association said it wanted the Minerals Commission and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to explain their respective mandates and the legal basis for the activities being carried out in the affected areas.

It indicated that although the Minerals Commission had reportedly distanced itself from some of the operations, documents, including receipts and notices of fines, had been issued to operators.

The Association said it had attached a copy of a receipt to its petition for verification and was seeking an official explanation of the circumstances surrounding its issuance.

It also raised concerns about the documentation required for the transportation of sand, particularly the use of waybills.

According to the Association, tipper truck drivers often find it difficult to distinguish genuine waybills from fraudulent ones and are not necessarily equipped or authorised to inspect the operational documents of sand winners.

It is therefore proposing a formal education programme involving sand winners, tipper truck operators and officials of the Minerals Commission to clarify documentation requirements, regulatory responsibilities and the procedures operators are expected to follow.

The Association believes such engagement would help prevent misunderstandings between operators and enforcement personnel and promote compliance with the applicable regulations.

It is also calling for an urgent stakeholder meeting involving the Association, affected operators, the Minerals Commission, NAIMOS and the relevant security agencies.

The proposed meeting, it said, should provide an opportunity to address outstanding concerns, clarify institutional responsibilities and agree on procedures for regulating sand-winning and transportation activities.

The Association further wants operators engaged in lawful sand-winning activities to receive the necessary protection and says any complaints involving misconduct in the course of enforcement operations should be investigated and dealt with through the appropriate legal processes.

It expressed concern about growing frustration among its members and warned that unresolved issues could lead to confrontations or demonstrations.

However, the Association stressed that it did not support violence or unlawful conduct and maintained that its objective was to promote fairness, accountability and transparency in the sector.

It said it had planned a press conference for November 19, 2026, but remained hopeful that the relevant authorities would intervene and address the concerns before then.

The Association is seeking a coordinated response from the institutions involved, arguing that clearer communication, public education and stakeholder engagement are necessary to ensure that regulatory activities are properly understood and carried out.

It reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing a resolution through lawful channels and urged the authorities to respond promptly to its petition.