The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has called on the Ghana Police Service to launch an immediate investigation into the tragic drowning of two young siblings in an exposed galamsey (illegal mining) pit.
The two children, Twenefuo Koranteng, 13, and Kwaku Antwi, 10, are alleged to have drowned while swimming in the pit, which had been left uncovered due to the miner’s failure to properly restore the land at Akyem Abompe in the Fanteakwa South district of the Eastern region.
The incident has left the Abompe community in shock as residents mourn the untimely deaths of the children.
According to reports, the siblings were swimming with two other children when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Mrs. Awatey expressed her deep condolences to the grieving families and emphasised the need for urgent action to prevent such occurrences in the future.
She called on the police to investigate the matter thoroughly and summon the owners of two suspected illegal mining sites for questioning.
“This situation is deeply regrettable and horrifying. An activity that is meant to provide employment and income has instead taken innocent lives and caused immeasurable pain for these families,” Mrs. Awatey said.
She described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal mining activities.
The Minister made it clear that any individuals or companies found to be operating mining sites illegally would face severe consequences, including the revocation of mining licenses.
She reiterated her commitment to cracking down on illegal mining in the region, calling on the Regional Mining Task Force to intensify efforts to address the issue.
“The law is clear on illegal mining, and those who violate it must be held accountable. The police have been directed to arrest and prosecute any illegal miners found breaching Ghana’s mining rules and regulations,” she said.
The exposed galamsey pits, which are often left uncovered after mining operations, have long posed a significant safety risk to nearby communities, with many children living near these sites, the danger of drowning or other accidents is ever-present.
This tragic incident is one in a series of fatalities linked to the dangerous effects of illegal mining, underscoring the urgent need for stronger enforcement of mining laws and better land reclamation practices.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of the two siblings, many are calling for more stringent measures to prevent such tragedies in the future, while urging mining companies and operators to prioritize safety and responsible practices in their operations.
