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

Fifteen individuals have been arrested by the National Security in the Ashanti region for allegedly participating in sandwinning activities on the Kumasi–Accra Expressway project. The arrests occurred in the Sewua–Donyina–Appiadu enclave on Wednesday, October 14. Six vehicles, including a wheel loader, were seized during the operation.

The suspects, all males, were transported to Accra for further investigation. An Assistant Liaison Officer, Ivan Bilson Yeboah, stated that the suspects are being held in custody for ongoing inquiries. A video went viral showing the individuals removing white sand from the expressway for commercial use, triggering concerns over potential damage to the road's right of way.

Yeboah condemned the illegal activity and urged the public to stop such practices that hinder national development. The Regional Security Council is set to meet on Thursday to discuss increasing patrols along the affected stretch of the expressway to prevent similar incidents. Despite the arrests, some suspects remain at large as law enforcement intensifies their search.

Bosomtwe District Chief Executive, Ing. Abdullah Hamidu, revealed that preliminary investigations indicated the sand winners claimed to have received authorization from the Ejisu Municipality Assembly for the excavation. However, they were unable to present a copy of the permit. When confronted, the suspects claimed to have obtained a permit from Ejisu, but were unable to provide a copy. They were subsequently instructed to cease the operation and referred the matter to the police.