At least 30 illegal mining-related deaths have been recorded across various mining districts in the Eastern Region between January this year and now, according to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
The Deputy Regional NADMO Director in charge of Technical and Disaster Risk Reduction, Emmanuel Konja Tullah, made the revelation during a visit to a mining site in the region following a recent pit collapse.
Speaking on the incident, Mr Tullah explained that the latest tragedy was not caused by an abandoned or uncovered pit. Instead, it occurred when some individuals secretly invaded a concession to dig underground after the site owners had already gathered and washed the main ore elsewhere, triggering the sudden collapse.
He disclosed that similar incidents have pushed the death toll to no fewer than 30 within the space of eight months, describing the situation as deeply worrying.
Mr Tullah urged concession owners to step up security and supervision across their operational areas to prevent unauthorized persons from creeping into dangerous sites. He stressed that mining firms must enforce strict safety protocols, improve overall coordination, and ensure that all worked-out pits are properly reclaimed or covered to avoid further loss of life.
He assured that NADMO will collaborate with key regulatory and security agencies to intensify public education and awareness campaigns on the lethal risks of illegal mining across the region.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
