Seven illegal miners have been killed after a portion of a reclaimed mining area caved in at Asaman Tamfoe in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region.
The miners are believed to have entered the site in the early hours of Sunday, August 30, to undertake “Koli Koli” mining despite previous warnings against mining on reclaimed lands.
The victims were reportedly working beneath a hillside when the ground suddenly collapsed, trapping them underground.
News of the collapse prompted residents and volunteers to rush to the area, with emergency personnel later joining the recovery effort. Excavators were used to clear the debris and reach those trapped beneath the earth.
Seven bodies were subsequently recovered.
Five of the victims are said to be from Moseaso, while the remaining two are believed to have come from Asaman Tamfoe.
The recovery operation involved personnel from the Anyinam District Police Command, the Ghana National Ambulance Service, NADMO and community volunteers.
The deaths have renewed concerns over the return of illegal mining activities on lands that have already been reclaimed.
Atiwa East District Chief Executive Ernest Owusu Ntim said the Assembly’s task force had repeatedly warned young people against entering reclaimed mining sites.
He said the task force was established to help protect reclaimed areas and promote responsible mining practices.
Mr. Owusu Ntim described the incident as unfortunate and said he was awaiting the findings of the police investigation.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Asaman Tamfoe has reportedly performed libation at the site, citing an alleged breach of the community’s Akwasidae customary observance.
The incident has left residents of Asaman Tamfoe, Moseaso and surrounding communities mourning, as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
