The National Association of Sand and Stone Workers and Tipper Truck Users is calling on the government to take immediate action against illegal sand winning operations, which they say are crippling their businesses and contributing to environmental degradation across the country.

At a press briefing, Alexander Nana Sarpong, Eastern Regional Chairman of the Association, and Nana Kofi Onwona, Chairman of the Nkawkaw Branch, expressed deep frustration over the growing activities of unlicensed sand miners who continue to flout regulations without consequence.

“These illegal operators are not only violating the law but are also creating an unfair playing field for those of us who are duly registered and compliant,” Mr. Sarpong stated. “It’s causing severe hardship for our members and threatening the survival of our industry.”

According to the Association, which has 25 branches in the Eastern Region alone, the unchecked rise in unregulated sand winning is destabilising the construction supply chain and diminishing investor confidence in the sector.

They are, therefore, urging the government to strictly enforce existing laws, clamp down on illegal miners, and restore order to the sand and stone extraction industry.

Despite these challenges, the Association has taken steps to support the construction industry. Mr. Sarpong revealed that members have recently reduced the prices of their services in response to improvements in the Ghana cedi’s performance against the US dollar.

The strengthening of the local currency has led to a decrease in the cost of tipper truck operations—one of the sector’s major expenditures.

“We believe lowering our prices will not only help ease the burden on builders and contractors but also demonstrate our commitment to supporting national development,” he said.

The Association remains hopeful that the government will heed their call and act swiftly to safeguard the environment, protect legitimate businesses, and stabilize the industry for the benefit of all stakeholders.