Residents turn funeral into demonstration against illegal sand mining

Residents of Yaw - Korkor in the Ayensuano district of the Eastern region on Saturday turned a funeral into demonstration against illegal sand mining activities in the area.

The deceased Charles Kwabena Amoako a.k.a Cooly Cooly who is being buried today was gunned down by illegal sand miners who invaded his Pawpaw farm to mine sand without his knowledge.

He was shot dead in close range when he attempted to protest.

According to the Protesting residents, illegal sand Mining is causing serious destruction to their lands, polluting and diminished river bodies .They alleged, Police and Ayensuano district Assembly have colluded with the illegal sand miners hence failed to heed to their several complaints reported.

The Member of Parliament for Ayensuano, Hon Ayeh Paye who is attending the funeral told the media, government must pay similar attention exhibited in fighting against illegal mining to illegal sand winning.

The lawmaker however said, Parliament has formed an adhoc committee to look into illegal sand mining adding the committee members are expected to visit the Ayensuano for inspection on Tuesday.

He said several farmers in the Ayensuano constituency who protest against the sand Miners have been arrested by the Police and charged them with robbery.