Densu river: Tensions have flared in Densu River near Tetegu in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality after military personnel and officers from the National Inland Marine Operations (NAIMOS) reportedly stormed a dredging site and set fire to machines and equipment being used by residents.
According to Ghana Web, the incident occurred on or around September 4, 2026, when military personnel, reportedly working with NAIMOS officers, destroyed a Changfan (Cheng-Fa) dredging machine and related equipment at the site. The destruction has sparked outrage among residents, who insist that the machinery was being used to combat flooding rather than for illegal mining.
An angry resident, speaking to journalists after the incident, demanded that the military replace the destroyed equipment, asserting that state agencies and the community had been unable to resolve the silting problem. He called on the president for intervention, highlighting the lack of action from Ghana Hydro, Ghana Water, and even the 48 Engineers in addressing the issue.
The resident criticized the military for undermining their efforts, emphasizing that instead of offering protection, soldiers had destroyed the tools they were using to safeguard lives and property. He expressed concerns that the destruction leaves them vulnerable to flooding, with fears that each rainfall could submerge homes and livelihoods.
Officials, including Weija Gbawe Municipal Assembly Presiding Member Wilfred Ayitey Blankson, have maintained that the dredging was a legitimate effort, undertaken with the Assembly's knowledge and approval. The initiative aimed to remove silt and reduce flooding risks linked to heavy rains and Weija Dam spillage.
The resident vowed to escalate the matter to the highest authorities and called for accountability from the military command. He stressed the necessity of leadership that can protect its citizens and questioned the military's actions, insisting on speaking to the president for a resolution.