Authorities in the Atiwa East District of Ghana’s Eastern Region have raised concerns over illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, at reclaimed mining sites following the deaths of seven people at Asamang Tamfoe.
The incident has brought renewed attention to what the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atiwa East, Ernest Owusu Ntim, describes as the “post-mining” challenge, where young people return to reclaimed mining sites to engage in illegal mining.
Mr Owusu Ntim, who is also Chairman of the District Security Council (DISEC), spoke to journalists on Monday when he led the security council to the scene.
According to the Atiwa East DCE, the challenge often emerges after mining companies complete their operations and are compelled by the Assembly’s taskforce to reclaim their mining concessions.
“This has been the challenges that we are going through, especially being a District Chief Executive in a mining area like this,” he said.
“This issue has to do with what we call the post-mining. When the miners finish and then you force them to do their reclamation, you find at least our youth coming back with their own means, not trying to use heavy equipment, but with shovels and pickaxes in order to just get their daily bread.”
“The post-mining issue is a major challenge that we are facing,” the DCE stressed.
Mr Owusu Ntim said the Asamang Tamfoe mining site where the seven people died had already been mined and reclaimed, with the mining company also removing its equipment.
“This is a mining site and they have mined here and reclaimed all the land, as you can see yourself. They have even removed all the equipment here,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that our youth decided to come and involve themselves in this.”
The seven people died when a hillside collapsed while they were reportedly engaged in illegal mining at the site.
Following the Asamang Tamfoe galamsey deaths, authorities are assessing the area to determine whether there are additional cracks that could pose further danger.
They are also considering whether heavy equipment may be needed to stabilise the hillside or remove portions of the area considered unsafe.
The Deputy Eastern Regional NADMO Director in charge of Technical and Disaster Risk Reduction, Emmanuel Konja Tullah, said recurring deaths from illegal mining and other mining-related incidents in the Eastern Region had become a major concern.
Mr Tullah called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations at mining sites and urged concession owners and other operators to take responsibility for securing their lands against illegal miners.
“We have had a series of galamsey-related deaths numbering not less than 30 within the region in 2026. The concession owners must strengthen their oversight activities, ensuring the necessary coordination and security measures so these incidents do not recur.”
He said NADMO would collaborate with concession owners, mining communities and other relevant state agencies to enhance public education on the dangers associated with illegal mining.
