The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has reported that at least 23 people, including 11 children, have died after falling into abandoned illegal mining pits, commonly known as galamsey pits, in the region. He stated that 19 bodies have been retrieved from the pits, while four others remain trapped underground.
Dr Amoakohene made this announcement on Monday, August 24, 2026, during the commissioning of a new ultramodern office complex for the Minerals Commission in Kumasi. He explained that most of the victims were local residents who fell into uncovered mining pits while travelling on routes to their farms.
“Twenty-three lives have been lost simply because they were on their way to their farms and fell into pits that miners left uncovered in various areas. We have recovered 19 bodies, but four are still unaccounted for,” he said.
The minister expressed particular concern over the deaths of children, noting that 11 of the victims were minors whose lives had been tragically cut short by these abandoned pits. “Eleven of them were children whose futures were taken away because someone, in their pursuit of profit, left a pit uncovered along routes leading to farmlands,” he added.
The Regional Minister has announced that the Regional Security Council, with backing from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has commenced the reclamation and covering of abandoned illegal mining pits across affected communities.
He noted that the exercise is ongoing and urged stakeholders to lend their support in securing these hazardous sites to prevent further loss of lives. Dr. Amoakohene emphasised the urgency of addressing the dangers posed by abandoned pits, particularly in areas where residents regularly traverse routes leading to their farms.
