File picture: Galamsey site
FOUR ILLEGAL miners have been confirmed dead, and 20 others are trapped after a mining pit collapsed at Akyem Wenchi in the Denkyembour District of the Eastern Region on Wednesday.
Rescue efforts are ongoing at Akyem Wenchi as the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and officers from the Ghana Police Service with the help of residents are searching for bodies trapped in the pit.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Denkyembour, Umar Ahmed, in an interview with the media expressed worry following the incident, stating that he is ensuring that the security authorities recover the 20 people trapped under the pit.
Recounting his ordeal at the galamsey site, the DCE stated that, “When I got to the scene, the illegal miners thought I was there to order their arrest. Meanwhile, I was there to help salvage the situation. So they tried attacking me, but if not for the timely intervention of the police I would have been seriously attacked.”
Umar Ahmed lamented the increasing illegal mining activities that has rocked the municipality, assuring that the assembly will fashion out solutions to help curb the menace.
An eyewitness, Ibrahim Sanny, told Adom News that Mr. Umar was on his way to Akwatia around 6:40 p.m. when he was ambushed. Police were forced to fire warning shots to disperse the agitated crowd before managing to rescue him.
After several failed attempts to assist in the rescue operation, Mr. Umar reportedly decided to leave the scene. On his way, he came across two excavators and asked some residents to help move them to support the ongoing rescue effort.
However, this gesture was allegedly misinterpreted by the locals as an attempt to confiscate the machines, triggering the violent reaction.
The irate crowd mounted a roadblock and pelted stones at Mr. Umar as he ran to his car for safety.
This incident comes against the backdrop of President John Mahama’s efforts to combat galamsey. Upon assuming office, he declared war against illegal mining, calling on stakeholders to support the agenda to preserve the country’s forests. During his ‘Thank You Tour’ in the Western North Region, President Mahama reiterated his commitment to fighting illegal mining, emphasising its devastating impact on the environment, water bodies, and livelihoods.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke