NCCE and EPA Educate Sissala East Residents on the Dangers of Illegal Sand Winning

The Sissala East Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has undertaken a public education campaign to draw attention to the environmental, social, and legal consequences of illegal sand winning in the municipality.

Designed to promote responsible environmental practices, the sensitisation programme educated residents on the dangers associated with unregulated sand extraction and the importance of complying with the laws and procedures governing the activity. Community members were also encouraged to recognise their role in protecting land and other natural resources from destructive practices.

During the engagement, facilitators expressed concern about the indiscriminate manner in which sand winning was being carried out across the municipality. According to them, many operators extract sand from unauthorised locations without permits, environmental approval or clearly designated sites.

Further discussions revealed that some individuals undertake sand-winning activities without consulting landowners or seeking the consent of traditional authorities. Others reportedly conduct their operations at night in an attempt to avoid detection by regulatory agencies, community leaders and members of the public.

Such practices, the facilitators explained, have serious implications for environmental protection and sustainable development. Unregulated excavation can leave behind dangerous pits, destroy vegetation, weaken the soil and expose affected areas to erosion. Abandoned pits may also collect stagnant water, pose safety risks to residents and livestock, and make the land unsuitable for farming, construction or other productive activities.

Beyond the environmental damage, illegal sand winning may create disputes over land ownership and the use of community resources. The absence of proper consultation and authorisation can generate tension among operators, landowners, traditional authorities and residents, thereby threatening peace and social cohesion within affected communities.

Residents were therefore advised to obtain the necessary permits and approvals from the appropriate institutions before beginning any sand-winning operation. Operators were also encouraged to consult landowners and traditional leaders, respect community land-use arrangements and follow environmentally responsible extraction methods.

Emphasis was placed on the need for sand winners to restore excavated sites and take practical measures to reduce the harm caused to the surrounding environment. Compliance with the law, participants were reminded, would help protect communities while allowing legitimate economic activities to continue in a regulated and sustainable manner.

Concluding the engagement, the NCCE and EPA stressed that environmental protection must not be left solely to state institutions. Community members were encouraged to report illegal operations, support enforcement efforts and educate others about the dangers of irresponsible sand extraction.

Through collective action, responsible conduct and respect for environmental regulations, the municipality can protect its natural resources and ensure that they remain available for the benefit of present and future generations.