Tongu Dredgers Association protests NAIMOS activities and destruction along Volta River

Members of the Tongu Dredgers Association have staged a protest against the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat’s (NAIMOS) activities along the Volta River in the North Tongu District. The group claims that NAIMOS has destroyed around 15 of their pieces of equipment, including dredgers and chanfans, during their operations.

The protesters argue that their activities are conducted in accordance with safety regulations set by state institutions and do not harm the environment; instead, their work serves to mitigate flooding. They have urged the government to intervene and restore their operations, stating that their efforts are comparable to those of the Volta River Authority (VRA), which contracted firms to dredge the river.

The Tongu Dredgers Association Chairperson, Carl Kofi Eworyi, stated that their activities are essential for flood mitigation and comply with safety standards. He condemned the presence of masked men in military uniforms at their work sites, who allegedly attacked their workers and destroyed their equipment. Eworyi emphasized that their work supports the livelihoods of approximately 30,000 residents along the Volta River.

He emphasized that dredging is crucial for the lower basin's health, as the river is shallow near the banks. He also highlighted that the VRA has contracted firms to dredge the same river, suggesting that their activities should be considered before resorting to attack. Eworyi called on the government and VRA to grant their association a concession along the Lower Volta, promising to uphold safe mining practices.