National Security operatives have arrested people suspected of illegal sand winning at Sewua in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region.
The operation took place along the proposed route of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway after authorities received information about sand-winning activities in the area.
Gunshots were fired during the raid on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, when the suspects reportedly tried to escape after seeing the security personnel.
Trucks and other equipment believed to have been used in the activity were seized. The arrested suspects were taken to the Fourth Battalion of Infantry (4BN), where they are expected to assist with further investigations.
The arrests come as preparations continue for the proposed 198.7-kilometre Accra-Kumasi Expressway. Construction of the road has not yet started, although the Ghana Armed Forces has reportedly cleared the project’s right-of-way.
President John Dramani Mahama has said work on the project is expected to begin before Christmas 2026.
The number of people arrested and the specific allegations against them were not immediately available.
