Fifteen people have been arrested in the Ashanti Region over suspected unauthorised sandwinning along the Accra–Kumasi Expressway project, prompting moves to strengthen security and prevent further environmental damage.
The suspects were picked up during a National Security operation in the Sewua-Donyina-Appiadu enclave, where they were allegedly excavating white sand for commercial purposes.
Six trucks, a wheel loader and other machinery believed to have been used in the operation have also been seized.
The suspects have been taken to Accra for further questioning as security personnel work to identify other people allegedly involved in the activities.
The operation follows the circulation of a video purportedly showing individuals removing sand from land associated with the expressway project.
Bosomtwe District Chief Executive Ing. Abdullah Hamidu has confirmed the arrests and announced steps by the Assembly to address the situation.
He denied suggestions that the Assembly had not been informed about the activities, explaining that an opinion leader in the Sewua-Ayoum area had reportedly handed over the land to the individuals involved.
According to the DCE, an emergency meeting has been scheduled with chiefs and Assembly Members in the affected communities to discuss the matter and prevent further destruction of the environment.
The intervention is also intended to address concerns about activities around the expressway construction corridor and their potential implications for the project.
The Ashanti Regional Security Council is also expected to meet to discuss the incident and determine how surveillance can be maintained along the affected stretch.
Security personnel have indicated that the operation will not end with the 15 arrests, as other suspects believed to be connected to the alleged sandwinning activities are still being pursued.
The investigation is expected to establish how the excavation was carried out, the extent of the activities and the involvement of other individuals.
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway project is intended to improve connectivity between Accra and Kumasi, Ghana’s capital and second-largest city, respectively.
The route is an important transport link for passengers and commercial traffic moving between the southern and central parts of the country.
