AT least seven individuals have lost their lives and three others sustained injuries following the collapse of an illegal mining pit in Ghana’s eastern region. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) confirmed the incident on Tuesday, shedding light on the devastating consequences of the tragedy.
According to Douglas Adomako, NADMO’s deputy director for the Birim district, the collapse occurred on Monday morning at the Korley Teye site, where about 18 miners were working. The sudden collapse resulted in the unfortunate loss of seven lives.
The Korley Teye site is a known hotspot for small-scale illegal mining activities, attracting many local youths seeking opportunities in the mining sector. However, the lack of proper regulations and safety measures in these operations often leads to such disastrous incidents.
Efforts are currently underway to rescue any trapped miners and provide assistance to those injured. Rescue teams have been mobilised to the scene to carry out the rescue operation as swiftly as possible.
Eyewitness Frank Owusu Amoah described the initial response to the incident, stating that local residents made immediate attempts to rescue the trapped miners using whatever tools were available. However, the rescue efforts were hampered by the arrival of darkness and rainfall, adding to the challenges faced by the rescuers.
As the day progressed, no official rescue team had arrived at the scene, leaving the miners and local residents to rely solely on their own resources. This situation underscores the urgency for prompt and coordinated rescue operations to ensure the safety of those affected by such incidents.
Illegal mining remains a pressing issue in Ghana, as unregulated and hazardous practices pose significant risks to both human lives and the environment. The government claims it is tackling this problem through various measures and initiatives aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and promoting responsible mining practices.
