Over 22 persons drowned in galamsey pit in Central region

More than 22 people have drowned in abandoned galamsey pits in the Central Region within the past seven months.

The Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Kwesi Dawood, confirmed that over 22 people had lost their lives in the abandoned galamsey pits, describing them as death traps scattered across the Central Region.

He explained that the abandoned galamsey pits, which have already led to more than 22 drownings, have claimed the lives of illegal miners as well as innocent residents, including women and children with no involvement in mining activities.

Mr. Dawood said the number of deaths recorded in abandoned galamsey pits was “alarming” and “heartbreaking,” adding that the true figure could be higher due to underreporting.

He made the disclosure at a media briefing after a Regional Security Council meeting, where a special taskforce was launched to reclaim illegal mining sites in all mining districts across the region.

The taskforce will operate in Assin North, Assin Central, Upper Denkyira East and West, Twifo Ati-Morkwa, Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira, and Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem. It comprises security agencies, NADMO, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Minerals Commission, miners, and the media.

Mr. Dawood said the initiative was aimed at stopping the environmental destruction and safety hazards caused by abandoned mining pits.

The government’s plan, spearheaded by the Regional Minister, Mr. Ekow Payin Okyere Eduamoah, also seeks to convert reclaimed galamsey sites into farmlands and plantations. Heavy machinery has already been deployed, and free crop seedlings will be distributed to communities to encourage replanting.

“This initiative includes implementing our ‘Tree for Life’ reforestation policy, aimed at cultivating cash crops such as cocoa, palm, and rubber on rehabilitated sites,” Mr. Dawood explained.

Representing the Regional Minister, Mr. Abdullah Amoh called on miners to support the reclamation programme, stressing that restoring farmlands and water bodies would help reduce flooding, water contamination, and health risks associated with toxic exposure.

He assured that the government would strengthen enforcement against illegal mining, allocate resources for sustainable land restoration, and roll out campaigns to discourage galamsey while promoting environmental protection.