Galamsey Destroys Rail Line – Rampant illegal galamsey mining has ripped through the Nsuta rail line, destroying 3km of the vital Takoradi-Akyem route and crippling transport infrastructure.
Galamsey Ravages Critical Rail Infrastructure, Destroying 3km of Active Line
NSUTA – In a devastating blow to Ghana’s transport network, rampant illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, has ripped through the Nsuta railway corridor.
Consequently, a crucial 3-kilometer stretch of the active Takoradi to Akyem line now lies in ruins, severely disrupting economic and passenger movements.
The Scale of Destruction-Galamsey Destroys Rail Line
Reporters visiting the site witnessed a scene of utter devastation. Instead of sturdy tracks, they found a torn-up landscape of mud-filled pits and unstable ground. Heavy machinery and relentless water pumping used by the illegal miners have completely washed away the earth supporting the railway.
As a result, the rails themselves are left twisted and suspended precariously in mid-air or buried under sludge. This destruction effectively severs a vital economic artery for the region.
Immediate Repercussions for Transport and Economy
Furthermore, the damage has brought all rail traffic on this line to an immediate and complete halt. This line is essential for transporting goods, including minerals and agricultural products, from the hinterlands to the port city of Takoradi. Therefore, this disruption is causing significant logistical nightmares and financial losses for businesses that rely on efficient rail freight. Similarly, passenger services have been indefinitely suspended, stranding commuters and increasing pressure on already congested road networks.
A Call for Action and Accountability
In response to the crisis, officials from the Ghana Railway Development Authority have expressed profound alarm. They have urgently called for a multi-agency task force to not only evict the illegal miners but also to secure the area from future invasions. Meanwhile, environmental groups are using this incident as a stark reminder of galamsey’s far-reaching consequences, which now extend beyond water pollution and deforestation to the direct destruction of critical national infrastructure.
Ultimately, the destruction of the Nsuta rail line serves as a critical test for the government’s resolve in combating the galamsey menace. The path to reconstruction will undoubtedly be long and costly. However, without immediate and decisive action to protect these assets, the nation risks further decay of its foundational infrastructure, threatening economic stability and public safety.
Galamsey Destroys Rail Line