15 arrested, 6 trucks impounded over sand winning activities on Kumasi-Accra Expressway

The National Security in the Ashanti region has arrested fifteen individuals accused of sandwinning activities on the Kumasi–Accra Expressway project. The suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in the Sewua–Donyina–Appiadu enclave. Additionally, six trucks, including a wheel loader, were impounded during the raid.

Assistant Liaison Officer Ivan Bilson Yeboah stated that the suspects have been transported to the national office in Accra for further investigations. The illegal activity, which involves excavating and removing white sand from the expressway for commercial purposes, has raised concerns about the potential damage to the right of way, essential for planned road infrastructure.

Yeboah emphasized that the practice is unacceptable and urged the public not to engage in such activities that hinder national development. The regional security council is set to meet on Thursday to discuss increasing patrols along the affected expressway stretch to prevent similar incidents. However, some suspects remain at large as the security force intensifies a manhunt for their whereabouts.

The Bosomtwe District Chief Executive revealed that preliminary investigations showed the sand winners claimed to have obtained authorization from the Ejisu Municipality Assembly for the excavation, but they could not provide a permit copy. When instructed to stop their operation, the suspects refused to produce the permit, leading to their referral to the police for further investigations.