- 23-year-old man dies in galamsey pit collapse
- Three others injured, receiving treatment
- NADMO warns of dangers of illegal mining
A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, when an illegal mining pit collapsed at Nkonteng, near Nkawie in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The collapse resulted in the death of a 23-year-old man and left three others critically injured.
The deceased, identified as Osei Kwabena, a native of Offinso, was trapped beneath the rubble and could not be rescued. The other three victims, who sustained severe injuries, were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the Nkawie Government Hospital for treatment.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy and preservation.
Koyim Mahama Iddrisu, the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency. He emphasized the ongoing dangers posed by illegal mining activities in the region.
“One concerned citizen called me to report that a galamsey pit had collapsed on four people. Since they were nearby, they managed to rescue three. Unfortunately, the fourth person was still in the pit when it collapsed, and by the time they retrieved him, he was dead,” he explained.
“The injured victims were taken to the Nkawie Government Hospital and are currently receiving treatment,” he added.
