National Security arrests 15 over alleged sand-winning on expressway project site

National Security personnel in the Ashanti Region have arrested 15 people suspected of engaging in unauthorised sand-winning activities along the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project.

The operation, conducted in the Sewua–Donyina–Appiadu enclave, also resulted in the impoundment of six trucks, a wheel loader and other equipment allegedly used to excavate and transport sand from the project area.

The suspects have been transferred to Accra for further questioning, National Security personnel have confirmed to the media.

The arrests follow the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing individuals extracting sand from the expressway project site for commercial purposes.

Security officials say efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals suspected of involvement in the activities who remain at large.

Bosomtwe District Chief Executive, Ing. Abdullah Hamidu, has confirmed the incident in an interview with Citi FM, rejecting suggestions that the Assembly was unaware of the operations.

His comments followed reports that an opinion leader in Sewua-Ayoum had handed over the land to the individuals allegedly involved in the sand-winning activities.

Mr Hamidu said the Assembly had convened an emergency meeting with traditional leaders and Assembly Members from the affected communities to prevent further environmental damage and protect the expressway project.

The Ashanti Regional Security Council is also expected to meet to discuss measures to sustain surveillance along the affected stretch and prevent a recurrence of the activities.