Sand winning activities continue unabated behind the Cape Coast Victoria Park, raising concerns about the long-term effectiveness of government-led sea defence projects aimed at curbing tidal waves.
Tobinco Media Group’s Ebenezer Madugu and Yaw Preko l, observed several locals actively extracting sand at the heart of the area, with the material reportedly being used for block manufacturing.
An elder in the community, revealed that some sand miners have been arrested multiple times, only to be released shortly afterward.
“They stop for a few weeks after their arrest, but then they come back stronger,” he said.
The situation has begun to affect local businesses. A Danish investor, who recently opened a tourist center directly opposite Victoria Park, is reportedly considering closing operations due to the ongoing sand mining activities.
A local, who wished to remain anonymous, said the investor, identified by the initials T.I.N.A, is frustrated with repeated failed attempts to curb the illegal activity through police intervention.
The persistence of sand winning in this critical area poses a dual threat: undermining the government’s coastal protection initiatives and jeopardizing local businesses reliant on tourism.
Residents and stakeholders are calling for urgent action to prevent further environmental and economic damage.
Ghana|Atinkaonline