Captain Jabari: Accra-Kumasi Expressway Illegal Sand Winning Enforcement

• Captain John Kwame Jabari, Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, warned illegal sand winners to cease operations along the Accra–Kumasi Expressway project site.
• This warning followed the arrest of 15 individuals and the impoundment of six vehicles, including a wheel loader, on October 14 in the Sewua–Donyina–Appiadu enclave.
• Security personnel have been deployed and a patrol team established to prevent further illegal activities and protect the critical infrastructure project.
• The arrested suspects were transferred to the National Security headquarters in Accra for custody and further investigations.
• Authorities have vowed to maintain a strong security presence to ensure the expressway project proceeds without interference, emphasizing its importance as a major government undertaking.

The robust enforcement against illegal sand winning along the Accra–Kumasi Expressway project site carries significant implications for Ghana's infrastructure development.

The Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Captain John Kwame Jabari, has issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in illegal sand winning activities along the construction path of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway. This directive, delivered on Thursday, October 15, 2026, on Accra-based Channel One, underscores a significant escalation in efforts to safeguard the critical national infrastructure project. Captain Jabari explicitly stated that those who continue these illicit operations would face severe repercussions.

This official warning follows a recent security operation conducted on Wednesday, October 14, which led to the apprehension of 15 individuals suspected of involvement in sand winning. The arrests took place within the Sewua–Donyina–Appiadu enclave, a specific area in the Ashanti Region situated along the expressway route. During this operation, law enforcement also impounded six vehicles, including a wheel loader, which were allegedly being used in the illegal activities. Deputy Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator Ivan Bilson confirmed that the arrested suspects have since been transferred to the National Security headquarters in Accra for detention and further investigation. Preliminary findings suggest these alleged activities had been ongoing for approximately two weeks prior to the official warning, with operators reportedly accessing the site under the cover of night to load sand onto trucks.

In response to the persistent threat of illegal sand winning, security personnel have been strategically deployed to the Accra–Kumasi Expressway project site. This deployment aims to actively prevent further unauthorized extraction of sand and to shield the vital infrastructure development from any potential disruptions. Captain Jabari highlighted the establishment of a dedicated team tasked with conducting regular patrols along the expressway. This measure is designed to deter future incidents and address any other offenses that might occur along the extensive route.

The Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, characterizing it as a major undertaking. He made it clear that authorities would not tolerate any actions that seek to impede the progress of this significant project. The sustained presence of security forces along the route is intended to prevent any recurrence of illegal activities and to ensure the project proceeds without interference. Captain Jabari reiterated that security teams are prepared to take decisive action against anyone found engaging in unlawful activities within the designated project area, reinforcing the message that the integrity of the Ghana infrastructure project security is paramount.

The robust enforcement against illegal sand winning along the Accra–Kumasi Expressway project site carries significant implications for Ghana's infrastructure development. The expressway represents a substantial investment by the government, crucial for enhancing connectivity and economic activity between two of the nation's most important cities. Unchecked illegal sand winning, often associated with illegal mining Ghana expressway concerns, poses a direct threat to the structural integrity of the road, can lead to environmental degradation, and introduces costly delays to construction timelines.

The proactive measures, including the Ashanti Region sand winning warning and the recent Sewua–Donyina–Appiadu sand winning arrests, signal a firm stance by authorities to protect national assets. The continued vigilance and strong security presence, as assured by Captain John Kwame Jabari, are essential to maintain the momentum of the project. This concerted effort ensures that the substantial resources allocated to the Accra-Kumasi Expressway illegal sand winning enforcement are effectively utilized, safeguarding the project from illicit activities that could otherwise undermine its successful completion and long-term viability.

Lawyers advising clients involved in infrastructure development, construction, or land use in Ghana, particularly along the Accra-Kumasi Expressway route, should note the heightened security and strict enforcement against illegal sand winning. This signals increased regulatory scrutiny and potential for project delays or legal action against parties involved in or benefiting from such activities, necessitating due diligence on material sourcing and site security.

Source: Original reporting via Myjoyonline.com