Ashanti Region: 23 dead in abandoned illegal mining pits

At least 23 people, including 11 children, have died after falling into abandoned, uncovered pits left by illegal miners in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene disclosed the fatalities during the commissioning of a new Minerals Commission office complex in Kumasi.

Most of the victims were local residents, such as farmers, who were navigating paths to their fields when the ground gave way. While 19 bodies have been recovered, four individuals remain trapped underground in the pits.

In response, the Regional Security Council and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources have begun reclaiming abandoned pits across affected communities. Additionally, authorities have taken measures to remove permanent structures and fuel stations from forest reserves that were supporting illegal mining activities.