A deadly shooting at a sand winning site in Asiyaw, located in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality of the Eastern Region, has claimed the lives of at least five people during a mediation effort to address illegal sand mining activities.
The incident occurred during a meeting aimed at resolving growing tensions over sand winning, which local farmers say is destroying their farmlands and threatening food production.
Crops such as cassava, maize, and pawpaw have reportedly been severely impacted.
In response to community complaints, the boundary chief of the Adonteng Division of the Akuapem Traditional Area, accompanied by his subjects, visited the site to mediate the situation.
However, the visit turned tragic when a group of armed men—allegedly acting under the instructions of individuals identified as Togbe and Alanyo—opened fire on the chief’s delegation.
The gunfire triggered chaos at the scene, leading to the deaths of at least five people.
Police in Nsawam have so far declined to comment on the incident, indicating that investigations are ongoing.
The community remains tense as residents demand justice and increased security.
