Soldiers allegedly shoot sand and stone tipper truck drivers in Afienya

Victim allegedly shot by soldiers

The National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association has accused some military personnel of subjecting its members to violent attacks during an operation at Afienya, allegedly shooting several people and leaving some hospitalised with life-threatening injuries.

The association claims that truck operators and residents were subjected to excessive physical force, while security personnel allegedly seized their mobile phones and impounded and damaged several trucks.

The allegations have renewed concerns about the conduct of security personnel enforcing restrictions on sand-winning activities, particularly following similar complaints from tipper truck operators in the Ningo-Prampram area.

The association’s Greater Accra Regional Vice-Chairman, Abdul-Moomen Mohammed, popularly known as Kowa Naso, said members operating with valid licences and permits had been prevented from accessing their businesses despite obtaining clearance from the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly.

He maintained that the affected operators were engaged in legitimate activities and questioned why they were being denied access to their operations despite meeting the necessary regulatory requirements.

The association is demanding an investigation into the alleged assaults and destruction of property. It has also appealed to President John Mahama to intervene and ensure that lawful operators are protected from what it describes as excessive military action.