Ghana illegal mining crackdown results in deadly blast and equipment seizures

Police in Ghana’s Western Region are investigating a blast at an illegal explosives site in Aboso that killed three people – the site owner David Kofi Fletcher and two others – and injured three more. Authorities say a shotgun fired at a python struck stored explosives, triggering the explosion. The investigation is being conducted with the Minerals Commission, and officials warned the public to report illegal storage of explosives.

In the Bono region, the Regional Security Council seized 11 excavators, eight tricycles and 32 motorbikes from illegal mining (galamsey) sites. Regional Minister and REGSEC chairman Joseph Addae Akwaboa said the operation shows the council’s continued commitment to fighting illegal mining and protecting local communities.