The Tarkwa Circuit Court has remanded twelve suspects accused of engaging in illegal mining (galamsey) activities that allegedly led to the destruction of portions of the Takoradi–Nsuta railway line in the Western Region.

The accused persons — Lari Kwaku (30), Ali Asumah (33), Yindari Mombe (19), Dennis Adom (29), Alex Kofi Acquah (27), Jonathan Agandor (30), Lambing Noyisi (38), Isaac Arhin (33), Nurudeen Kwabena (22), Kwame Simo (27), Jude Azum (20), and Combat Daniel (18) — are all residents of Akyem.

They have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime, undertaking mining operations without a license, and causing unlawful damage.

During proceedings on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the prosecution prayed the court to forward the case docket to the Attorney General for advice. As a result, the presiding judge remanded the accused persons into prison custody for two weeks. They are expected to reappear in court on October 21, 2025.

The arrests followed the circulation of a viral video showing extensive illegal mining activities dangerously close to the railway line, including footage of an assault on a staff member of the Ghana Railway Company.

A joint police operation involving the Regional Operations Unit, the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID), and the Formed Police Unit (FPU) was swiftly deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, the team discovered deep mining pits and trenches dug beneath sections of the railway track, leaving portions of the line hanging and structurally unsafe.

Exhibits retrieved from the site included three water pumping machines, while several chanfang machines used in the illegal operations were destroyed on-site.

Authorities have expressed concern about the rising threat of illegal mining near critical infrastructure, warning that such activities endanger lives, disrupt transportation, and cause severe environmental damage.