The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), Dr. Frederick Appoh, has warned that illegal mining operations, popularly known as galamsey, are fast becoming a national security threat due to their growing impact on the country’s rail infrastructure.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Monday, Dr. Appoh revealed that illegal mining along the Nsuta rail line has already destroyed close to three kilometres of the Takoradi-Akyem railway stretch, severely undermining Ghana’s transportation network.
He described the situation as alarming, noting that the activities of illegal miners have become increasingly difficult to contain.
“These operators work around the clock. During the day, they go quiet when we arrive, but as soon as our teams leave, they return at night to continue their operations,” Dr. Appoh lamented.
According to him, the ongoing destruction of rail infrastructure not only disrupts transportation and logistics but also endangers lives and threatens the government’s long-term investment in rail development.
He therefore called for urgent, multi-sectoral collaboration, stressing that the issue transcends the transport sector and should be treated as a national security emergency.
“This is not just about railways, it’s a national security concern. We need the combined efforts of the Ministries of Railways, Lands and Natural Resources, and the Interior to address this menace once and for all,” he stated.
Dr. Appoh also commended President John Dramani Mahama for establishing the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), saying the body’s scope should include the protection of critical rail infrastructure from illegal mining encroachment.
Beyond government intervention, he urged local communities to play an active role in safeguarding rail assets. Citing lessons from the Tema-Mpakadan line, he noted that community sensitisation and vigilance had helped reduce theft and vandalism in that area.
“We need the public’s cooperation. When communities begin to see the railway as a shared national asset, they become the first line of defence against its destruction,” Dr. Appoh emphasised.
The GRDA boss reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies and traditional leaders to prevent further damage to Ghana’s railway system, which he described as vital to national development and regional trade.
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