At least five people have been confirmed dead following a violent shooting incident at a sand winning site in Asiyaw in the Eastern Region during a meeting aimed at addressing the rising concerns over illegal sand mining activities in the area.

The tragic event unfolded when the boundary chief of the Adonteng Division of the Akuapem Traditional Area, accompanied by some sub-chiefs and community members, visited the site to engage stakeholders after ongoing protests by farmers and residents.

Local farmers have long decried the environmental destruction caused by illegal sand winning, which they say has devastated farmlands and reduced yields of key crops such as pawpaw, cassava, and maize.

According to eyewitnesses, shortly after the delegation arrived at the disputed site, a group of armed men—allegedly acting on the orders of individuals identified only as Togbe and Alanyo—opened fire on the gathering, triggering panic and chaos.

The unprovoked attack led to the death of at least five people, with several others reportedly injured.

It remains unclear what provoked the shooting, but sources suggest tensions had been building between community members and those involved in the illegal mining activities.

Security agencies have since been deployed to the area, and investigations are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and restore calm.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with residents calling for justice and urgent government intervention to stop the illegal operations threatening their livelihoods and environment.