A 23-year-old man lost his life, and three others were critically injured after an illegal mining pit collapsed in Nkonteng, near Nkawie, in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region on December 17.
The deceased, identified as Osei Kwabena, a native of Offinso, was trapped beneath the debris and could not be rescued.
Fortunately, the other three victims were pulled out alive but with severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Nkawie Government Hospital.
The body of the deceased has been taken to the morgue for autopsy and preservation.
Koyim Mahama Iddrisu, the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency and emphasized the dangers associated with illegal mining activities in the region.
“One concerned citizen called me to report that a galamsey pit had collapsed on four people. As they were nearby, they managed to rescue three individuals. Unfortunately, the fourth person remained trapped in the pit when it collapsed, and by the time they retrieved him, he was already dead,” he explained.
“The injured victims were taken to Nkawie Government Hospital and are currently receiving treatment.”
