Three children have tragically lost their lives after drowning in abandoned illegal mining pits in the Denkyembuor and Fanteakwa South Districts of the Eastern Region within the past week.
The incidents have raised concerns about the dangers posed by illegal mining activities, especially to children.
The first tragedy occurred on March 6th, during Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations, at Boadua, a suburb of Akwatia. A 14-year-old boy drowned in a mining pit near his home, which had been left uncovered by illegal miners. His lifeless body was later retrieved from the pit, marking a tragic start to the week.
Just a day later, another heartbreaking incident took place at Akyem Abompe in the Fanteakwa South District. Two siblings drowned in an abandoned mining pit after they, along with two other children, had gone swimming in a local river that had been diverted by illegal miners.
Unfortunately, the river led them into a deep, dangerous pit, where they became trapped. While two of the children managed to escape, the other two did not survive.
In the wake of these tragedies, the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, visited the grieving family in Boadua to offer her condolences.
She stressed the grave dangers posed by illegal mining, noting that it not only threatens security but is also a matter of life and death.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of illegal mining under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama.
The rising number of child drownings in galamsey pits has sparked public outrage, with growing calls for immediate action from the government and local authorities.
Many residents are urging that abandoned mining sites be reclaimed to prevent further loss of life, particularly as the rainy season approaches. Without prompt intervention, there are fears that more children could fall victim to these hazardous, unprotected pits.
