By: Ashiadey Dotse
Three children in the Fanteakwa South District, aged between nine and fourteen, have drowned in abandoned mining pits (galamsey pits) within two weeks in the Eastern Region.
The incidents have left families heartbroken and raised concerns about illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, in the area.
One of the victims’ parents, Kwabena Adjei, lost two of his children over the weekend when they drowned while trying to swim in a pit filled with rainwater. “It’s very painful for my wife and me. I returned from the farm only to hear that my children had drowned,” he said.
The abandoned pits, left open after illegal mining activities, pose a serious danger to local communities. Many of these pits collect rainwater, and some residents use them as a water source due to shortages. However, they remain unprotected and unsafe, especially for children.
Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Adjei Awatey, visited the grieving families and expressed her condolences. She condemned illegal mining activities and ordered the police to investigate the miners responsible. “It is unacceptable for mining to destroy our lands and put lives at risk. We will find those responsible and take action,” she stated.
The Eastern Regional Security Council has now set up a task force to tackle illegal mining and prevent further tragedies. Many citizens and civil society groups are calling for stronger government action to stop illegal mining and protect communities from its dangers.
