The Tarkwa Circuit Court has remanded twelve persons into prison custody for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities that have destroyed sections of the Takoradi–Nsuta railway line.

The accused 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 license, and causing unlawful damage.

Their pleas were not taken when they appeared before the court, as prosecutors requested that the case docket be forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Department for advice.

The presiding judge consequently remanded the accused persons for two weeks. They are expected to reappear in court on October 22, 2025.

The arrests follow the circulation of a viral video showing extensive illegal mining activities dangerously close to the railway line and the assault of a Ghana Railway Company staff member.

A joint police operation involving the Regional Operations Unit, Police Intelligence Directorate, and the Formed Police Unit (FPU) was deployed to the area. The team discovered deep mining pits and trenches dug directly beneath portions of the railway line, leaving sections of the track hanging.

Three water pumping machines were retrieved from the scene, while several chanfan machines used in the operations were destroyed.