Twelve individuals accused of engaging in illegal mining activities that led to the destruction of portions of the Takoradi–Nsuta railway line have been remanded into prison custody by the Tarkwa Circuit Court.
The suspects — 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 licence and causing unlawful damage.
ASP Beatrice Turkson, Police Public Affairs Director for the Western and Central Police Command in a press statement indicated that, during Tuesday’s court proceedings, the pleas of the accused were not taken.
The prosecution prayed the court to refer the case docket to the Attorney-General’s Department for legal advice. The presiding judge subsequently remanded all 12 accused persons into prison custody for two weeks.
They are scheduled to reappear in court on October 21, 2025.The accused arrest followed the circulation of a viral video showing extensive illegal mining activities dangerously close to the railway tracks, as well as the assault of a Ghana Railway Company staff member.
A joint police team comprising personnel from the Regional Operations Unit, Police Intelligence Directorate (PID), and the Formed Police Unit (FPU) swiftly moved to the site. Upon arrival, the team discovered deep mining pits and trenches dug directly beneath sections of the railway line, leaving parts of the track hanging and unsupported.
Three water pumping machines were retrieved from the scene as exhibits, while several chanfan machines used in the illegal mining operation were destroyed.
