National Security vows to arrest ‘kingpins’ behind illegal sand winning along Accra – Kumasi Expressway

National Security says it will pursue all individuals involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua, including chiefs and political leaders, following the arrest of 15 suspects and the seizure of six trucks along the Accra–Kumasi Expressway.

Captain Kwame Jabari Rtd, the Regional Coordinator for National Security, gave the assurance in an interview on GhanAkoma, hosted by Sir John, following the operation to arrest individuals allegedly destroying sections of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway through illegal sand winning.

According to Capt. Jabari, intelligence available to the security team suggests that more than 200 vehicles have been operating at the site, indicating that several more individuals could be involved in the activity.

“We have arrested 15 suspects and seized six trucks, but intelligence available to us indicates that more than 200 vehicles have been operating at the site,” he said.

He maintained that the operation would not end with the arrest of the initial suspects, stressing that security personnel were determined to identify and apprehend everyone connected to the alleged illegal activity.

“Indeed, there are many more people to apprehend in this operation. If we had received the intelligence earlier, we would have arrested all the suspects,” Capt. Jabari stated.

The Regional Coordinator further alleged that influential individuals were behind the operation, adding that the authorities would pursue those involved regardless of their social or political standing.

“There are kingpins behind this operation. The arrested suspects have confessed, and whoever is involved, whether chiefs or political leaders, will be arrested,” he said.

As part of measures to prevent further destruction of the expressway, Capt. Jabari disclosed that joint patrols involving National Service personnel and the military had commenced along the Kumasi–Accra Expressway.

“We have commenced joint patrols involving National Service personnel and the military along the Kumasi–Accra Expressway to prevent further destruction,” he said.

The patrols are intended to strengthen monitoring of the affected stretch and deter further illegal sand-winning activities that threaten the road infrastructure.

The latest arrests underscore the security authorities’ efforts to clamp down on activities that could compromise the integrity of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway at Sewua.