The Ghana Police Service has apprehended 12 individuals suspected of involvement in the deliberate destruction of the Takoradi-Nsuta railway line, a critical transportation artery for the haulage of manganese and other minerals. According to sources, the arrests are linked to the growing menace of illegal mining, or galamsey, in the region.
The suspects are currently assisting the police with ongoing investigations. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the suspects or the extent of the damage to the railway line. However, sources indicate that the destruction was caused by individuals engaged in galamsey activities, which have been ongoing despite government efforts to crack down on the practice.
Galamsey Crackdown
The police operation is part of a broader effort to combat illegal mining, which has ravaged large tracts of land and water bodies in Ghana. In recent months, the police have intensified their anti-galamsey campaign, arresting dozens of suspects and seizing heavy machinery and equipment used in the illegal mining operations.
In a related development, the Ghana Police Service has revealed that a total of 208 suspects were arrested in nationwide anti-galamsey operations between March and May 2025, with 99 excavators seized. The government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources and cracking down on illegal mining activities.
Impact on Railway Project
The Takoradi-Nsuta railway line is a vital component of Ghana’s transportation infrastructure, and its destruction poses significant risks to the country’s economic development. The Ghana Railway Development Authority has expressed concerns about the impact of galamsey activities on the railway project, citing environmental degradation, infrastructure damage, and safety hazards.
The government has urged the public to support the anti-galamsey efforts and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen whether additional arrests will be made in connection with the destruction of the railway line.