- Section of Tarkwa Women’s Market caves in after suspected illegal mining blast
- Incident linked to galamsey activity near an old mine shaft
- Traders narrowly escape disaster; some reportedly trapped in the pit
Traders at the Tarkwa Women’s Market in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region are living in fear after a section of the market land suddenly collapsed, following a suspected illegal mining-related explosion near an abandoned mine shaft.
Initial investigations indicate that the cave-in was caused by ongoing galamsey (illegal mining) activities along an old mining shaft that cuts across parts of the municipality.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, former Head of Public Affairs at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Fiifi Boafo, confirmed the incident, which occurred on the night of September 8, warning that it could have resulted in major casualties had traders been present at the time.
Describing the situation as deeply alarming, Mr. Boafo called for an immediate halt to illegal mining activities that are compromising the structural integrity of the land and endangering lives.
He shared a harrowing account from a trader who claimed that individuals were still trapped in the pit the following morning.
Mr. Boafo further criticized the response from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), revealing that officials visited the site but merely instructed miners to refill the collapsed area without conducting a full safety assessment.
He questioned NADMO’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for thorough damage evaluations and preventive measures.
Citing expert warnings, Mr. Boafo referenced Professor Mireku Gyimah, Ghana’s first Mining Professor and a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology, who has previously cautioned that if unchecked mining continues, the entire Tarkwa township could eventually collapse.
