12 to Face Court Over Tarkwa-Takoradi Railway Destruction 

October 7, 2025  Twelve suspects are set to appear before the Tarkwa Circuit Court today over alleged destruction of the Tarkwa-Takoradi railway line at Akyem in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.

The arrests follow severe damage to the railway infrastructure caused by illegal mining activities. The line is critical for transporting Ghana's manganese exports.

ASP Den-Ben Eden Selassie, Operational Commander of the Western-Central Police Command, confirmed the arrests and court appearance scheduled for Tuesday.

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson conducted an on-site inspection on Monday with MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem Issah Salifu Taylor and a National Security Liaison Officer after a video showing the extent of damage went viral.

Investigations revealed illegal miners had excavated the foundation beneath a railway bridge, removing supporting soil and leaving metal rails suspended in mid-air. Entire sections of track were dismantled, with parts of the embankment collapsing into nearby water bodies.

The narrow-gauge line, owned by Ghana Manganese Company Limited, has been extensively damaged and encroached upon by illegal miners.

Minister Nelson called on traditional leaders to take control of their communities and urged the Ghana Railways Authority to intensify patrols to prevent further destruction.

Some residents blamed GRA officials, alleging that two officers told them the new standard-gauge line under construction would bypass Akyem, contributing to neglect and vandalism of the current line.

Sampson Nyame, Assistant Superintendent of Tracks and Railways, said monitoring has become difficult due to the breakdown of the only rail car used for inspections.

Youth and community members have begun mobilizing to reclaim the illegal mining sites in Akyem.