Twelve Illegal Miners Arrested for Destroying Takoradi–Nsuta Railway Line

Twelve individuals have been arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities that caused significant damage to the railway line connecting Takoradi to Nsuta through Akyem in the Western Region. The suspects — identified as Denis Adom, Alex Kofi Acquah, Kwame Simon, Isaac Arhin, Larry Koku, Lambon Moysi, Ali Asoma, Nurudeen Kobina, Jude Azumah, Yendari Bonber, Jonathan Ayandor, and Daniel Combat — are all residents of Akyem.

They face charges including conspiracy to commit crime, undertaking mining operations without a license, and causing unlawful damage. According to authorities, the suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to appear before court on October 7, 2025.

Their arrest follows the circulation of a viral video showing extensive illegal mining activities dangerously close to railway tracks, as well as the assault of a Ghana Railway Company staff member. Confirming the incident, Nathaniel Hensen, a staff member who led a team to inspect the Takoradi–Nsuta line, said the discovery was made during a routine inspection.

“Upon reaching Akyem, we were shocked to see the extent of the damage. The land had been dug so deep that the rail track was left suspended in the air,” Hensen recounted. He added that when he tried to stop the miners, they turned violent, spraying him with muddy water from their operations.

Following his report, police launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the twelve suspects. Authorities say this is not the first time such incidents have been recorded along the railway corridor, as illegal mining continues to endanger rail infrastructure and public safety in the region.

Despite previous engagements between the Ghana Railway Company, traditional leaders, and local communities aimed at curbing the menace, officials say compliance with agreed safety measures — such as creating buffer zones and reclaiming mining pits near the tracks — has been poor. They expressed frustration that local communities continue to look on as illegal miners destroy vital national assets.