Four face court over alleged illegal sand winning, crop damage

Four individuals have appeared in Accra Circuit Court Eight, accused of participating in illegal sand extraction near Amasaman. The suspects are Kofi Atiemo, 38; Ebenezer Tetteh Gyablatey, 32; John Hayford, 48; and Ebenezer Kwafo, 31. All four live in Teacher Mantey. Atiemo and Gyablatey were unemployed, while Hayford and Kwafo were drivers.

The charges against the four men include conspiracy to engage in illegal sand winning and causing damage to crops unlawfully. They have pleaded not guilty and are set to return to court on September 24, 2026. Their lawyers requested bail, but prosecutors argued that the offences were grave and could result in severe penalties. They also claimed the accused may flee if released on bail. The judge agreed with the prosecution and held the four men without bail.

According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Issah Achiburi, the complainants are Francis Okah and Prince Annor, both businessmen residing in Airport City and Teacher Mantey. Between 2024 and 2026, Okah and Annor reported to police that the suspects had entered their properties with a wheel loader and heavy-duty trucks to extract sand. The complainants allege that Atiemo and Gyablatey failed to stop the activities when confronted by the victims.

Police arrested the suspects at their hideout in Teacher Mantey after receiving complaints. They presented photographic and video evidence to court, showing sand being extracted and transported from Annor's land. CCTV footage revealed Hayford and Kwafo operating two green and blue tipper trucks suspected of carrying the sand away. Prosecutors identified Atiemo as the alleged ringleader. Investigations are still underway, with efforts focused on apprehending other suspects involved in the illegal sand extraction activities.