Afienya: Tipper truck drivers accuse military personnel of shooting and assaulting members
The National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association has accused some military personnel of shooting and physically assaulting its members during an operation at Afienya in the Greater Accra Region. According to the Greater Accra Regional Vice-Chairman of the association, Abdul-Moomen Mohammed, popularly known as Kowa Naso, some of the association’s members have been prevented from accessing their businesses despite holding valid licences and permits to operate.
The National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association has accused some military personnel of shooting and physically assaulting its members during an operation at Afienya in the Greater Accra Region. The alleged incident has left several people injured, with some reportedly in critical condition and receiving treatment at the Tema General Hospital.
The association claims the security personnel also subjected truck operators and some residents to excessive physical abuse, seized their mobile phones and impounded and damaged several tipper trucks during the operation. According to the Greater Accra Regional Vice-Chairman of the association, Abdul-Moomen Mohammed, popularly known as Kowa Naso, some of the association’s members have been prevented from accessing their businesses despite holding valid licences and permits to operate.
He said the affected operators had obtained the necessary clearance from the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly but were still being subjected to what the association considers excessive military action. The allegations come amid growing concerns over the conduct of security personnel deployed to enforce restrictions on sand-winning activities, with similar complaints previously raised by tipper truck operators in the Ningo-Prampram area.
The association is demanding an investigation into the alleged shootings, assault and destruction of property, insisting that operators engaged in legitimate business activities should not be subjected to violence. It is also appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and ensure that the rights and safety of licensed operators are protected.
The association says it expects the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and hold any personnel found culpable accountable. Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for the area, who doubles as the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called on the Chief of Defence Staff to take disciplinary action against the military officers for the alleged inaction.
READ ALSO: Sam George calls for dismissal of military officer over alleged misconduct in Ningo-Prampram
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