More than 22 people have drowned in abandoned illegal mining pits in Ghana’s Central Region over the past seven months, according to Kwesi Dawood, Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
The fatalities include both illegal miners and innocent individuals, notably women and children, raising concerns about the dangers posed by these deserted sites.
Dawood described the situation as “alarming” and “heartbreaking,” cautioning that the true number of drownings may be higher due to underreporting.
His remarks came during a media briefing following a Regional Security Council meeting that announced the formation of a task force aimed at reclaiming illegal mining sites in various districts, including Assin North and Twifo Ati-Morkwa.
The task force, comprising security agencies, NADMO, local assemblies, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Minerals Commission, aims to address environmental damage and safety hazards associated with illegal mining.
As part of a broader government initiative led by Regional Minister Ekow Payin Okyere Eduamoah, efforts will focus on converting these degraded sites into productive agricultural land. This includes deploying heavy machinery and distributing free crop seedlings to communities, as well as promoting alternative livelihoods.
Dawood urged illegal miners to cease their activities and participate in the reclamation efforts, emphasizing the importance of restoring farmlands to protect national food security. Abdullah Amoh, representing the Regional Minister, encouraged community support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to restore natural habitats and mitigate flooding and health risks associated with toxic exposure.
