The National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association has accused some military personnel of shooting and assaulting its members during an operation at Afienya, leaving several people injured and others battling for their lives at the Tema General Hospital.
The association alleged that the security personnel subjected truck operators and residents to excessive physical abuse, seized their mobile phones, and impounded and damaged several trucks during the operation.
The allegations have raised fresh concerns about the conduct of security personnel deployed to enforce restrictions on sand-winning activities, particularly amid similar complaints by tipper truck operators in Ningo-Prampram.
The association’s Greater Accra Regional Vice-Chairman, Abdul-Moomen Mohammed, popularly known as Kowa Naso, said some 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 business activities and should not be subjected to what the association considers excessive military action.
The association is demanding an investigation into the alleged shootings, assaults and destruction of property.
It has also appealed to President John Mahama to intervene and ensure that legitimate operators are allowed to conduct their businesses without intimidation or abuse by security personnel.
