12 Remanded for Destroying Tarkwa–Takoradi Railway Line Through Galamsey; Case Adjourned to Oct. 22
12 Remanded for Destroying Tarkwa–Takoradi Railway Line Through Galamsey; Case Adjourned to Oct. 22
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Twelve individuals accused of destroying portions of the Tarkwa–Takoradi railway line through illegal mining (galamsey) operations have been remanded into prison custody by the Tarkwa Circuit Court.
The court, presided over by Madam Ama Manu, directed that the accused persons reappear on October 22, 2025, as investigations and proceedings continue.
The accused include Larry Kweku, Labin Moeshi, Isaac Arhin, Eliasu Asumah, Nureeden Kwabena, Idari Mobe, Kwame Simon, Bernice Adom, Jude Asuma, Alex Kofi Aquah, Jonathan Ayandoh, and Combat Daniel.
According to Adom News correspondent Lord Tawiah, the suspects face charges of engaging in illegal mining and causing damage to public property.
“They appeared remorseful in court, but as we all know, the law must take its course,” Tawiah reported.
The twelve were arrested on September 30, 2025, and initially granted police enquiry bail before being remanded by the court on Monday.
Background
The suspects were apprehended for allegedly causing extensive destruction to a section of the Tarkwa–Takoradi railway line at Akyem, in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, through illegal mining activities.
The railway, which serves as a crucial route for transporting manganese and other exports, has suffered severe damage due to galamsey operations. Illegal miners reportedly dug beneath a railway bridge, removing supporting soil and leaving portions of the track suspended dangerously in mid-air.
Following a viral video exposing the extent of the damage, a high-level government delegation — including Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson, MP for Tarkwa-Nsuaem Issah Salifu Taylor, and a National Security Liaison Officer — visited the site for an on-the-spot assessment.
Minister Nelson strongly condemned the destruction, urging traditional leaders to assert greater control over their jurisdictions. He also called on the Ghana Railways Authority to intensify patrols and monitoring to prevent further vandalism of critical infrastructure.
