Sèmè-Podji: the opening of a sand quarry in Podji-Adanmè is causing anger among farmers and residents.

Farmers and local residents are categorically opposing the project to set up a sand quarry on their agricultural land, which has traditionally been dedicated to vegetable farming and coconut cultivation.

​Tensions on the ground and municipal mediation

​The hostility of the residents was evident on the evening of Sunday, August 16, 2026, when the population drove away a team that had come to inspect the site using branches and projectiles. In response to the deteriorating social climate, local authorities intervened the next day, Monday, August 17.

​The district chief of Sèmè-Podji, Ange Charles Guy Miguel, and the second deputy mayor, Cyrille Kouzounhoué, held a series of discussions. They spoke with representatives of the affected farmers as well as with the village chief, Robert Hounmènou, in hopes of finding common ground.

​Institutional deadlock and appeal to the head of state

​During the discussions, local elected officials indicated that the economic operator behind the project has been granted an exploitation authorization by the competent national authorities. As they believed that the decision exceeds their institutional competence, the municipal authorities found themselves unable to resolve the dispute.

​Local producers have expressed their determination to defend their agricultural areas. Working in the lowlands of Podji-Adanmè to cultivate sugar cane, tomatoes, and peppers, and maintain coconut plantations, they remind that these ancestral lands are their only source of income to support their families and fund their children’s education.

Convinced that the President of the Republic, Romuald Wadagni, would not endorse the destruction of their economic activities, farmers and residents are calling for help from the executive to preserve their means of livelihood.