- Five killed in land dispute at Asiyaw on April 29, 2025, linked to illegal sand-winning
- NASSWOTU says those involved were not registered members and operated unlawfully
- Members call for faster licensing processes from Lands Ministry, Minerals Commission, and EPA
The National Association of Sand, Stone Workers, and Tipper Users (NASSWOTU) has strongly condemned the recent deadly incident at Asiyaw in the Eastern Region, attributing it to illegal sand-winning activities.
The violence, which occurred on Monday, April 29, 2025, resulted in the deaths of five individuals following a land dispute between rival factions. Authorities believe the clash was sparked by unauthorized sand extraction in the area.
Four suspects have been arrested, charged, and remanded in custody.
Describing the incident as deeply unfortunate, NASSWOTU clarified that those involved were not registered members of the association and had been operating outside the law.
During a congress held in Kasoa, Central Region, to elect new national leaders, NASSWOTU Chairman Samuel Amoah urged the government to deploy military support to help curb illegal sand-winning operations.
He stressed the need for tighter enforcement to prevent further violence and protect the environment from the impacts of unregulated mining.
Members of the association also called on the government to streamline and accelerate the process of acquiring legal documentation—including mining leases from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, operating permits from the Minerals Commission, and environmental approvals from the EPA.
They argued that bureaucratic delays often push people into illegal operations due to frustration and economic pressure.
