Twelve people accused of wrecking parts of the Tarkwa–Takoradi railway line through illegal mining have been remanded into prison custody by the Tarkwa Circuit Court.
Presiding judge Madam Ama Akosua Manu directed that the group, made up of 11 men and one woman, return to court on October 22, 2025, as investigations continue.
The suspects, identified as 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, are facing charges of engaging in illegal mining and causing damage to public property.
Adom News’ Lord Tawiah reported that the accused appeared subdued when they were brought before the court.
“They looked very sober, like they had regretted their actions,” he said. “But as we all know, the law is the law, and no matter how regretful they seem, justice must take its course.”
The individuals were first arrested on September 30 and granted police inquiry bail, but were later remanded on Monday following further developments in the case.
Authorities say the group’s illegal mining activities caused serious damage to a section of the Tarkwa–Takoradi railway line at Akyem in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
The railway, which plays a vital role in transporting Ghana’s manganese exports, has suffered major structural harm from galamsey operations. Illegal miners had reportedly dug under a railway bridge, removing the soil beneath and leaving the tracks suspended precariously.
After a viral video exposed the scale of the destruction, a high-powered delegation, including Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson, Tarkwa Nsuaem MP Issah Salifu Taylor, and a National Security Liaison Officer, visited the site to inspect the damage.
Mr. Nelson denounced the destruction and appealed to local chiefs to enforce stricter control within their jurisdictions. He also urged the Ghana Railways Authority to step up surveillance to safeguard national infrastructure.
