Four Suspected Galamseyers Die In Pit Collapse

A cloud of sorrow has engulfed Skuumu near Gyaman-Nkwanta in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region following the death of four young men in a galamsey pit collapse.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at about 4:00 p.m. when the victims, believed to be engaging in illegal mining activities, became trapped underground after the pit suddenly caved in on them.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking as residents rushed to the area in an attempt to save the trapped miners.

“It was a very sad moment. People were shouting and trying everything possible to rescue them before the security officers arrived,” an eyewitness narrated.

According to sources within the community, the land where the incident happened allegedly belongs to Volta Resource, a mining company said to have allowed illegal miners to operate on the concession.

Information gathered also suggests that Logist Group Company Limited had earlier been tasked by government to reclaim the degraded land.

Rescue personnel, together with security officers and some residents, spent several hours at the scene before an excavator was finally brought in to retrieve the bodies from the collapsed pit.

The bodies have since been deposited at a nearby mortuary, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The tragedy has once again exposed the deadly consequences of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to endanger the lives of many unemployed youth across the country.

Residents are therefore calling on authorities to intensify the fight against illegal mining to prevent further loss of lives.