Twelve people so far have been arrested for illegal mining, which has caused destruction of the Takoradi-Nsuta railway line.

In an operation led by the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, the illegal miners, who were still on site, were apprehended on Monday, October 6.

The minister and National Security officers found that illegal mining had destroyed about three kilometres of the active 60-kilometre area.

According to Graphic Online, officials have estimated at least $18 million to repair the damaged portion of the railway line.

The illegal miners had secured the land from local authorities, who are gradually becoming headaches for the government due to their silent support of the illegal mining in their areas.