Hundreds of uncovered pits left by illicit miners pose a major hazard to inhabitants of mining villages.
While many individuals have died as a result of falling into such holes, others are living dangerously, as the abandoned trenches function as death traps in search of prey.
In addition, insects and reptiles have taken up residence in the exposed pits.
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Miners dig deep into the soil to recover the mineral, frequently employing excavators for maximum effect.
Small-scale illegal miners also engage in similar activities, creating deadly trenches in the process.
The Daily Graphic witnessed abandoned mines as a security danger and a social nuisance to inhabitants of various mining villages during a one-week tour to some mining settlements between March 21 and 25, this year.
The Western Region's Mpohor, Ellembelle, and Tarkwa-Nsuaem districts, as well as the Ashanti Region's Obuasi, Akrofuom, Amansie Central, Amansie West, Amansie Central, and Adansi North districts, all had mining villages inspected.