In a recent development, the Accra Circuit Court Eight has remanded four individuals charged with illegal sand winning activities at Teacher Mantey, near Amasaman. The accused, Kofi Atiemo (38), Ebenezer Tetteh Gyablatey (32), John Hayford (48), and Ebenezer Kwafo (31), face charges of conspiracy to engage in illegal sand winning and unlawful damage to crops. Despite their denial of the charges, they are set to reappear in court on September 24, 2026.
The case has attracted significant attention due to the serious nature of the offences and the potential environmental impact. Defence lawyers sought bail for the accused, but the prosecution opposed, citing the severity of the charges and the likelihood of the accused absconding if released. The presiding judge upheld the prosecution's argument, leading to the remand of the accused.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Issah Achiburi presented the case's facts, identifying Francis Okah and Prince Annor as the complainants. Both businessmen, residing in Airport City and Teacher Mantey respectively, reported that their properties had been unlawfully accessed by the accused between 2024 and 2026. The accused allegedly used a wheel loader and heavy-duty trucks to extract sand from the complainants' lands.
Okah's property, spanning 4.5 acres, and Annor's two plots suffered significant damage, including the destruction of a fence wall and vegetation crops. Despite confrontation by the complainants, Atiemo allegedly continued the illegal activities, prompting a police report. Subsequent surveillance led to the arrest of the accused at their hideout.
During investigations, the accused denied involvement in their caution statements. However, police visits to the site revealed altered land conditions indicative of sand winning activities. CCTV footage from a nearby residence purportedly captured the accused in action, further implicating them in the offences.
Investigations also uncovered that Hayford and Kwafo operated two tipper trucks, identified by registration numbers GN-9145-2 and GN-6778-Z, which were allegedly used to transport sand to undisclosed locations. Atiemo has been identified as the suspected mastermind behind these operations.
As investigations continue, efforts are being made to apprehend additional accomplices involved in this illegal enterprise. The case underscores the ongoing challenges of illegal sand extraction and its detrimental effects on landowners and the environment.
The legal proceedings are being closely monitored as stakeholders await further developments in this significant case.
