Twelve individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities that caused extensive damage to the Nsuta-Takoradi rail line at Akyem in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality are expected to appear before the Tarkwa Circuit Court on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

The suspects were arrested by police in the Western Region on Monday, October 6, 2025.

The development was confirmed by Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson, who led the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to inspect the site of the destruction.

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During the visit, he expressed deep concern over the level of devastation caused by the miners, who reportedly trespassed onto the railway property, excavated the area, and destroyed a significant stretch of the rail infrastructure to serve their own interests.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh on October 7, 2025, Nelson emphasised the strategic importance of the railway line, noting that it plays a vital role in transporting manganese—one of Ghana’s key export minerals.

He lamented that while the railway company is working to recover and rebuild, unscrupulous individuals are compounding the problem by further destroying the rail infrastructure.

The minister also criticised the apparent silence of local residents, expressing disappointment that such illegal activities were allowed to occur in broad daylight without being reported.

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“This is a threat not only to national assets but also to our very existence since the environment is constantly being polluted, threat to water supply, forest reserves, water bodies among others,” graphic.com.gh quoted the minister as saying.

He called on the Ghana Police Service to intensify surveillance in the area to prevent further illegal mining, stressing that the scale of destruction suggests the activity had been ongoing for weeks or even months.

Nelson further urged traditional leaders to take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities and appealed to the Ghana Railways Authority to increase patrols along the rail lines.

“I urge you to survey the lines and see other areas that have been affected,” he said.

VKB/VPO

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