A desperate plea for intervention has been sounded in the farming community of Seniagya, where the Queen Mother, Nana Ama Agyekumwaa Adomakoaa, alongside residents and local farmers, is calling on the highest authorities to halt the rampant and destructive practice of illegal sand winning.
In an emotional appeal, the traditional leader has urged His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and President John Dramani Mahama to intervene urgently, warning that the unregulated excavation is decimating farmlands, polluting water bodies, and destroying the livelihoods of the community’s inhabitants.
Speaking to the media, Nana Ama Agyekumwaa Adomakoaa painted a grim picture of the situation, describing the activities as “rampant, uncontrolled, and devastating.” She detailed how vast tracts of once-fertile agricultural land have been transformed into barren pits, while vital water sources have been contaminated, leading to the loss of staple food crops.
“The activities of sand winning have completely destroyed our lands and water sources,” the Queen Mother lamented. “Some of the operators are also engaging in illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, on lands without our consent. We are calling on His Royal Majesty and the President to come to our aid and help stop this destruction.”
The Queen Mother revealed that despite multiple reports to the police, enforcement efforts have been ineffective, allowing the destruction to continue with impunity. She expressed the deep frustration and helplessness felt by the community, warning that they can no longer remain passive while their environmental heritage is being plundered.
Her concerns were echoed by residents and farmers who spoke of the severe impact on agriculture, the community’s mainstay. With water sources contaminated and farmlands rendered unusable, families are finding it increasingly difficult to cultivate crops and secure their livelihoods.
“We are not opposed to development, but economic activities must respect environmental laws, safeguard livelihoods, and observe the authority of traditional leadership,” said a local farmer. “We appeal to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and President Mahama to take immediate action and hold those responsible accountable.”
The community stressed that while they welcome initiatives that foster growth, these must be sustainable, legally compliant, and in harmony with environmental conservation and the principles of traditional governance.
The Queen Mother, residents, and farmers of Seniagya are holding onto hope that a swift and decisive intervention from the Asantehene and the President will protect their farmlands, preserve their environment, and secure the well-being of both current and future generations.
