According a myjoyonline story, the National Security personnel have arrested 15 people suspected of engaging in unauthorised sand-winning activities along the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project in the Ashanti Region. The operation, conducted within the Sewua-Donyina-Appiadu enclave resulted in the impoundment of six trucks, a wheel loader and other equipment allegedly used to excavate and transport sand.
The arrests followed the circulation of a viral video purportedly showing individuals removing sand from the project site for commercial purposes. The suspects have been transferred to Accra for further questioning, while efforts continue to apprehend others allegedly involved.
Bosomtwe District Chief Executive, Ing. Abdullah Hamidu, denied suggestions that the Assembly was unaware of the activities. He said an emergency meeting had been held with traditional leaders and Assembly Members in affected communities to prevent further environmental damage and protect the project. The Ashanti Regional Security Council is also expected to discuss sustained surveillance and measures to prevent a recurrence.
The arrest of 15 suspected sand winners is a welcome development. However, the operation must mark the beginning of a sustained campaign against unauthorised excavation, not another isolated security intervention that produces headlines but little lasting change.
The impounding of six trucks, a wheel loader and other equipment in the Sewua-Donyina-Appiadu enclave demonstrates the scale of resources allegedly deployed in the activity. The circulation of a video showing individuals winning sand for commercial purposes has also raised legitimate concerns about the protection of land earmarked for a major national infrastructure project.
The proposed expressway represents an important investment in Ghana’s transport infrastructure. Any activity that compromises its right-of-way, threatens the integrity of the land or obstructs preparations for construction must be dealt with decisively. Public infrastructure cannot be protected by announcements alone; it requires effective monitoring, enforcement and accountability.
Beyond the road project, the environmental consequences of uncontrolled sand winning are equally troubling. Research published in Scientific Reports in 2024 documented how sand mining around Accra can degrade soil fertility, undermine agricultural livelihoods and leave excavated land unreclaimed. These consequences can persist long after operators have removed their equipment and moved elsewhere.
The Bosomtwe District Assembly’s emergency engagement with traditional leaders and Assembly Members is, therefore, a step in the right direction. However, meetings must translate into concrete action. The Assembly, traditional authorities, the Environmental Protection Authority and security agencies must establish clear responsibilities for monitoring the affected communities and responding promptly to reports of unauthorised excavation.
Equally important is accountability. Authorities must investigate who organised, financed and benefited from the alleged operations, including whether any individuals unlawfully authorised access to the land. Investigations must be evidence-based, and anyone found culpable must face the appropriate legal consequences, irrespective of status or influence.
Ghana already has a regulatory framework for mining and environmental protection, including the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124). The challenge is ensuring that applicable laws and permit requirements are enforced consistently.
The government must not wait for further destruction before acting. Sustained patrols, community reporting channels and transparent investigations are essential. The message must be clear: no individual’s private gain should come at the expense of Ghana’s environment, public infrastructure or collective development.
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