By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA
Dodowa, Sept. 09, GNA — The Shai-Osudoku District Assembly has denied reports that sand mining activities at Tsumkpo in the district resulted in the destruction of farmlands and crops.
The Assembly said preliminary checks conducted by its Agriculture and Environmental Health Departments, including engagements with affected farmers, indicated that no crops were destroyed.
In a statement signed by Mr Otoo Augustine Akumeni, the Communications Officer at the Office of the District Chief Executive, said the Assembly described the reports of crop destruction as misleading and inaccurate.
“The Agriculture and Environmental Health Departments of the Assembly have held engagements with the farmers at Tsumkpo and can say with all certainty that no crop whatsoever was destroyed,” the statement said.
The clarification follows an earlier media publication on the alleged destruction of farmlands at Tsumkpo.
The Assembly also clarified that it did not have the mandate to grant mining licenses to companies, saying its role was to issue business operating permits to companies that were legally registered and operating in accordance with the laws of Ghana.
The statement said the Assembly had therefore engaged the Minerals Commission to review the operations of the company involved.
It said preliminary checks also showed that the company had acquired the land from the relevant landlords at Tokpo and had gone through the traditional processes required for the acquisition.
The Assembly, however, did not disclose the name of the company or provide further details on the Minerals Commission’s review.
It urged the media and social media platforms to verify information before publishing reports on sensitive matters, particularly those with potential implications for communities and businesses.
The Assembly stated that inaccurate reports could create fear, panic and harm, and called for greater responsibility and circumspection in the publication of information.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable development while protecting the interests of residents of the district.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo
09 Sept. 2026
Reporter: Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA
