Twelve individuals are set to appear before the Tarkwa Circuit Court today, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, for allegedly vandalising a section of the Tarkwa-Takoradi railway line near Akyem in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region.
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has strongly condemned the act, describing it as a serious threat to national infrastructure and economic stability. He called on traditional leaders to take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities against such destructive behaviour.
Mr. Nelson also urged the Ghana Railways Authority (GRA) to intensify patrols and monitoring of key railway installations across the region.
The damaged narrow-gauge railway line, owned by the Ghana Manganese Company Limited, serves as a major transport route for manganese exports. However, the line has increasingly come under threat from illegal mining activities, which have caused widespread environmental degradation in the area.
A viral video showing severe destruction to the tracks at Akyem prompted a high-level visit on Monday by the Western Regional Minister, the MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem, Issah Salifu Taylor, and a National Security Liaison Officer.
Investigations at the site revealed that illegal miners had dug out soil beneath a railway bridge, leaving parts of the metal rails suspended mid-air. In other areas, sections of the tracks had been dismantled and the embankment had caved into nearby water bodies.
Expressing concern over the situation, Mr. Nelson called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, local leaders, and the GRA to prevent further damage.
Some residents, however, accused railway officials of neglect, alleging that two officers had informed them that a new standard-gauge line under construction would bypass Akyem, leading to the abandonment and vandalism of the existing line.
In response, local youth groups have begun mobilising to reclaim affected sites and restore order in the area.
The Assistant Superintendent of Tracks and Railways, Sampson Nyame, revealed that monitoring has been difficult due to the breakdown of the only rail inspection car, which has limited surveillance efforts.
Meanwhile, the Operational Commander of the Western-Central Police Command, ASP Den-Ben Eden Selassie, has confirmed the arrest of twelve suspects in connection with the vandalism.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned today as investigations continue into the incident.
Source – My News Ghana
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