Twelve (12) suspects who were recently arrested for their alleged engagement in illegal mining activities along the Takoradi-Nsuta Rail Line have been remanded into police custody.
The suspects, who have allegedly caused significant damage to portions of the Takoradi-Nsuta Rail Line, were remanded by the Tarkwa Circuit Court.
The 12 suspects are to reappear before the court on October 21, 2025.
The names of the suspects were given as — Dennis Adom, Alex Kofi Acquah, Kwame Simon, Isaac Arhin, Larri Koku, Lambon Moyisi, Ali Asoma, Nurudeen Kobina, Jude Azumah, Yendari Mombe, Jonathan Ayamdor, and Daniel Combat.
They have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, undertaking mining operations without a licence, and causing unlawful damage.
The court did not take the plea of the accused persons. The docket of the case has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for advice.
The arrest of the suspects followed a tip-off about illegal mining activities along sections of the rail line, which had disrupted rail operations and raised safety concerns.
Meanwhile, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson has commended the security agencies for their swift action and said the arrests marked a renewed effort to protect critical public infrastructure.
He added that his office had directed the Ghana Railway Company to inspect the entire stretch of the Takoradi line to identify and prevent similar activities elsewhere.
“Until people are prosecuted and the public sees the consequences, illegal mining will persist. We must act decisively to secure our rail lines,” he indicated.
Some of the residents in the area have also indicated that the arrest and subsequent remanding of the suspects underscore government’s efforts to curb illegal mining operations in the community.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi