Central Tongu Assembly moves to stop illegal sand winning, demolish structures blocking waterways

The Central Tongu District Assembly has stepped up efforts to curb illegal sand winning in the area, citing its impact on the environment and increased flood risk for communities along the Volta River.

Speaking in an interview after Volta River Authority's Stakeholders Workshop in Ho on Wednesday May 6, 2026, District Chief Executive Hon. Addison Dodzi Mornuie said the assembly has identified two sites where sand is being mined directly from the river. He said he has already met with the operators to demand that their activities be properly regulated and that they obtain the necessary permits before continuing

The DCE said the assembly has engaged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help enforce the regulations. Following a recent meeting with the EPA area head, both institutions resolved to hold a joint engagement with the sand winners to ensure compliance with the law.

He stressed that current operations are illegal and pose serious environmental threats. “Their operation is against the rule, it’s against the law. They need to take a permit before they do their work,” he said. He added that those mining on land are digging too deep and destroying the ecosystem.

The DCE revealed that some operators fled when EPA officials visited their sites, but a new meeting has been scheduled to address the issue. He said the assembly is determined to stop the activity entirely for those operating without authorization.

He cited a past incident in the community between Kpedzeglo and Zongor, where unregulated sand winning led to the undermining of electricity poles and created major safety concerns. It took the assembly considerable time to stop the activity and address the damage.

The DCE also raised concern about unauthorized construction along waterways, which worsened the impact of the recent spillage. He said many affected communities were not supposed to flood but buildings were erected too close to the river without permits. The assembly is now educating residents to seek approval before putting up structures.

As part of immediate action, the assembly has identified one house that is blocking the passage of water and is considering its demolition. “When it is not only blocking, it disturbs others as well. When it becomes necessary, we are going to pull it down,” the DCE said, adding that any other structure obstructing water flow will face similar action.