Sand mining is threatening the Prampram beach front housing project where a developer is constructing the Atlantic Beachfront Resorts and Residential Master-Planned City.
The project is known as Comet Marina and it is located at Bernganor village in the Ningo Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region.
According to the developer the future of the project is at risk if the ongoing "illegal" sand mining in the area continues.
Akua Afriyie, who speaks for the developer, Seamless International Limited/Comet Properties Limited said the project, which is an addition to Ghana's upscale real estate market, was facing significant disruptions as a result of the illegal sand mining activities in the area.
In a press release dated Thursday, August 22, 2024, Akua Afriyie highlighted the environmental damage caused by the mining, including excavation to depths of 10 to 20 feet across approximately 21 acres.
“The unauthorised sand mining has reportedly been taking place under the cover of darkness," she said, adding that the developers had reported the incident to the Tema Regional Police Command.
Ms Afriyie warned of potential severe erosion, long-term ecological damage, and safety risks to the 400-acre project site, which is planned to feature sea-front hotels, apartments, restaurants, and a gated community with lagoons and rivers.
The company has therefore called for enhanced security measures and urgent intervention from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
The company has also appealed to the local community for support, stressing that the project will provide significant benefits, including affordable housing options for up to 3,000 residents.