One person has been confirmed dead while three others sustained injuries following the collapse of an illegal mining pit at Subriso in the Assin North District of the Central Region.
The victims were reportedly working in a galamsey pit when the ground suddenly caved in, trapping them underground.
Residents in the area quickly rushed to the scene and managed to rescue the four individuals from the collapsed pit.
Confirming the incident, the Assin North District Police Commander, Eric Yao Avudzivi, said the victims were rushed to St. Francis Xavier Hospital for treatment.
However, one of the victims was pronounced dead on arrival by medical officials.
The body has since been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy, while police are working to trace the deceased’s family.
Police say investigations are ongoing to identify the owner of the illegal mining site.
The collapsed pit is located between Aniakragya and Subriso, an area widely known as a hotspot for illegal mining, popularly called galamsey.
The latest tragedy has renewed concerns about safety and the enforcement of laws against illegal mining in the Assin enclave.
Reports indicate that many illegal mining operations in the area are allegedly dominated by foreign nationals, particularly from Liberia and Burkina Faso, some of whom are reportedly armed.
However, several local residents are also said to be involved, mostly working for daily wages.
Illegal mining continues to cause serious damage not only to human lives but also to the environment.
Major rivers such as the Pra River and Offin River have been heavily polluted, affecting farming activities and threatening the livelihoods of many communities that depend on these water sources.
Residents say the persistent loss of lives and environmental destruction raise serious questions about accountability and the enforcement of laws against illegal mining in the area.
Police say investigations into the incident are ongoing.
