Seven illegal miners have been confirmed dead after a reclaimed mining site collapsed on them at Asaman Tamfoe in the Atewa East District of the Eastern Region.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, August 30, 2026, when the miners allegedly sneaked into the reclaimed mining area to engage in illegal mining, locally referred to as “Koli Koli.”
According to a survivor, who was not inside the pit when the tragedy occurred, the victims were digging beneath a hillside section of the reclaimed land when the earth suddenly gave way and buried them under a heavy mass of debris.
The survivor said the collapse happened suddenly, leaving those inside the pit with little or no opportunity to escape.
Following the incident, local residents and rescuers mobilised to the scene, while the police and other relevant emergency agencies were alerted to support search and rescue efforts.
Rescuers worked for several hours using excavator retrieve the victims from beneath the collapsed earth. By Sunday, the remains of seven people had been recovered from the site.
Five of the deceased have reportedly been identified as residents of Moseaso, while the remaining two are believed to be residents of the Asaman Tamfoe community.
Personnel from the Anyinam District Police Command, the Ghana National Ambulance Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and community volunteers brought the rescue operation to and end but yet to brief the media.
The tragedy has thrown the Asaman Tamfoe community and surrounding areas into mourning.
Meanwhile, the chief of Asaman Tamfoe has reportedly performed libation at the scene, stating that the miners had breached the Akwasidae customary observance.
The District Chief Executive for Atiwa East Ernest Owusu Ntim told Starr News, the youth have been warned by Taskforced established by the Assembly ensuring reclamation and responsible mining, to desist from returning to reclaimed lands to mine.
He described the incident as unfornate adding that he awaits police investigation into the incident.
Story: Kojo Ansah
