National Security operatives in the Ashanti Region have arrested 15 people over suspected illegal sandwinning activities along the proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway corridor, with six vehicles and pieces of equipment seized during the operation.
The suspects, all male, were arrested on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during a security operation in the Sewua–Donyina–Appiadu enclave.
An Assistant Liaison Officer, Ivan Bilson Yeboah, said the suspects were being transported to the National Security headquarters in Accra for custody and further investigations.
The operation follows concerns over the excavation and removal of sand from sections of the proposed expressway route for commercial purposes. The activities have raised fears about possible damage to the road’s right-of-way, which must be protected for the infrastructure project.
Authorities have also impounded six vehicles, including trucks and a wheel loader, as investigations continue. Some suspects are reportedly still at large.
Bosomtwe District Chief Executive, Ing. Abdullah Hamidu, said preliminary investigations by the Assembly indicated that some of the individuals claimed to have secured permission from the Ejisu Municipal Assembly to undertake the excavation.
However, they were unable to produce a copy of the alleged permit when asked to do so. Mr Hamidu said he directed them to stop the activity and referred the matter to the police for further investigation.
The Ashanti Regional Security Council is expected to discuss measures to strengthen surveillance along the affected stretch and prevent further excavation.
The arrests come amid efforts to protect the proposed expressway corridor ahead of the planned road project, which is expected to improve travel between Accra and Kumasi.
