Two illegal miners tragically lost their lives after a mining pit collapsed in the early hours of Sunday in the Ashanti Region. The incident occurred at a makeshift mining site near a remote village, where illegal mining activities are rampant despite ongoing government crackdowns.
Eyewitnesses report that the two victims, believed to be in their late twenties, were among a group of young men who entered the pit to extract gold in the middle of the night. The collapse happened without warning, trapping the two miners under tons of soil and debris.
Rescue efforts by locals were swift but ultimately futile. “We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene,” recounted Kwame Frimpong, a resident. “We tried to dig them out, but the pit was too deep and unstable. By the time we reached them, they were already gone.”
Local authorities arrived on the scene hours later to secure the site and retrieve the bodies. Police officials confirmed the deaths and noted that illegal mining, or "galamsey," continues to pose significant dangers to individuals and the environment.
“We have repeatedly warned against illegal mining because of the risks involved,” said Chief Inspector Kofi Asare. “This tragic incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of mining laws to protect lives.”
The government has been waging a prolonged battle against galamsey, which has devastated many natural landscapes and water bodies across Ghana. However, high unemployment rates and the lure of quick profits have made it difficult to curb the practice entirely.
Community members expressed their grief and frustration. “This is not the first time lives have been lost here,” said Ama Serwaa, another resident. “We need more jobs for our youth so they don’t feel compelled to risk their lives in these dangerous pits.”
The deceased miners have yet to be identified, and their families have been informed. The police have launched an investigation into the incident and vowed to intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal mining operations in the area.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal mining and the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the underlying socio-economic issues fueling the practice.
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