23 people, including 11 children, killed by abandoned mining pits in Ashanti Region
At least 23 people have died after falling into abandoned illegal mining pits across the Ashanti Region, with children accounting for nearly half of the victims. Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, disclosed that although 19 bodies have so far been retrieved, four others remain trapped inside the abandoned pits. He made the disclosure during […]
In the Ashanti Region of Ghana, at least 23 people, including 11 children, have perished after falling into abandoned illegal mining pits. Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, revealed that 19 bodies have been recovered, while four individuals remain trapped. The tragic incident occurred when victims, mostly residents heading to their farms, accidentally fell into uncovered pits left behind by illegal miners.
The Regional Minister emphasized that the loss of children's lives and futures was particularly devastating. In response to the danger, the Regional Security Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is working to reclaim abandoned illegal mining pits across affected communities. Dr Amoakohene appealed for support from stakeholders to prevent further deaths and protect residents.
Additionally, significant measures have been taken to remove permanent structures from forest reserves to combat illegal mining. Security agencies, alongside the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, have dismantled structures supporting illegal mining activities and rendered fuel supply stations non-operational within forest reserves.
The government, with the support of the United Kingdom, has also constructed permanent camps and facilities along rivers to enable forest guards to maintain a stronger presence and protect the region's forests and water bodies from illegal activities.
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