Twelve remanded over illegal mining that damaged Takoradi–Nsuta rail line
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.
The Tarkwa Circuit Court has ordered twelve individuals into prison custody over their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities that caused significant damage to portions of the Takoradi–Nsuta railway line.
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, engaging in illegal mining operations without a license, and causing unlawful damage to public infrastructure.
During their first appearance, the court did not take their pleas, as prosecutors indicated that the case file would be forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Department for legal advice. The presiding judge subsequently remanded them for two weeks, setting their next court date for October 22, 2025.
The arrests were made after a viral video surfaced showing extensive galamsey activity dangerously close to the railway line, including the assault of a Ghana Railway Company employee.
Following the video, a joint police task force comprising officers from the Regional Operations Unit, the Police Intelligence Directorate, and the Formed Police Unit (FPU) was deployed to the site. The team discovered large mining pits and tunnels dug directly beneath parts of the rail track, leaving sections suspended and unstable.
Three water pumping machines were seized from the location, while several chanfan machines used in the illegal operations were destroyed as part of the enforcement exercise.
