Illegal Sand Mining Threatens Peace in Gomoa Fetteh

  


A major environmental crisis is looming along the coastline of Gomoa Fete in the Central Region, where illegal sea sand winning continues unchecked despite repeated warnings and reports to authorities.
The destructive activity, which involves the extraction of sand directly from the seashore, has accelerated coastal erosion and poses a severe threat to nearby settlements. Experts warn that if the situation persists, more than 250 houses and several entire communities—including Gomoa Fetteh, Yesukrom, Tubai, and parts of Yenyano—could be submerged within the next decade.
At a recent press conference held to highlight the escalating danger, speakers described the operation as “a national security threat” and expressed deep frustration over the lack of decisive enforcement. Reports have been sent regularly to regional and national offices, yet the illegal operations continue unabated.
Concerns were also raised about the complicity of some local security personnel, who are alleged to have turned a blind eye—or even offered protection—to those engaged in the illegal trade. This inaction, coupled with the influence of certain traditional figures said to back the activity, has made it increasingly difficult to curb the menace.
Authorities have acknowledged the gravity of the situation. The Regional Minister, who also chairs the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has initiated plans for on-site assessments and directed security and environmental agencies to shift their focus from reactive responses to proactive disaster prevention.
Despite these assurances, access routes to affected beaches remain blocked by sand-winning operators, preventing monitoring teams from conducting regular inspections. Coastal tracks in areas like Senya Beach and Malins Park are frequently closed, while heavy machinery continues to extract and transport sand at dawn.
Observers warn that the long-term environmental consequences could be catastrophic. The destruction of natural barriers along the coast exposes inland areas to tidal waves, rising sea levels, and saltwater intrusion—threatening both lives and livelihoods.
With Ghana already grappling with the effects of climate change and coastal erosion, calls have intensified for urgent and coordinated national action to halt illegal sea sand winning before it triggers irreversible damage to the Gomoa Fete coastline and surrounding communities.

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