Rescue teams race against time as desperate search continues for missing miners following Saturday night disaster
A devastating mining accident has claimed the lives of at least seven illegal miners following the collapse of a galamsey pit at Asaman Tamfoe in the Atewa East District of the Eastern Region. Four others remain trapped underground, with rescue operations continuing into their second day.
The tragic incident occurred late Saturday night, around 11:00 p.m., when the makeshift mining shaft gave way while workers were reportedly engaged in gold extraction operations. The collapse buried eleven miners beneath tons of earth and debris, triggering an immediate emergency response from local residents and authorities.
According to eyewitness accounts, two miners who were not present at the time of the collapse raised the alarm, rushing to the community to solicit help. Their swift action mobilized residents who formed an impromptu search and rescue team while simultaneously alerting the Police and relevant emergency agencies.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Emergency responders, including personnel from the Anyinam District Police Command, the Ghana National Ambulance Service, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), have converged at the scene. They are working alongside community volunteers in a coordinated effort to locate the remaining missing miners.
The rescue teams worked tirelessly through the night and successfully retrieved the remains of seven victims from the debris. Five of the deceased have been identified as residents of Moseaso, while the remaining two are believed to be from the Asaman Tamfoe community.
"The operation is ongoing, and we are doing everything within our power to reach those still trapped," a rescue official at the scene told reporters. "Every minute counts, and we are working with the resources available to us."
Rising Toll of Illegal Mining
This latest tragedy underscores the persistent dangers associated with illegal small-scale mining operations, commonly known as galamsey, which have plagued Ghana's mining sector for decades. The practice, often conducted without proper safety measures or regulatory oversight, has resulted in numerous fatalities and environmental degradation across the country.
The Atewa East District, part of the Eastern Region's mineral-rich belt, has witnessed a surge in illegal mining activities despite ongoing government efforts to curb the practice. The collapse at Asaman Tamfoe represents one of the deadliest incidents in the area in recent months.
Local authorities have expressed deep concern over the incident, with calls for intensified enforcement of mining regulations and heightened safety awareness among operators in the informal mining sector.
Government Response and Community Grief
As the rescue operation continues, the affected communities are grappling with grief and anxiety. Families of the trapped miners have gathered at the site, maintaining a vigil as they await news of their loved ones.
The National Disaster Management Organisation has deployed additional resources to support the rescue mission, while the Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of unregulated mining activities, as communities across the Eastern Region mourn the loss of lives and pray for the safe recovery of those still underground.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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SOURCE: The Ghana Report
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