Seven suspected illegal miners have lost their lives after a reclaimed mining site collapsed on them at Asaman Tamfoe in the Atewa East District of Ghana’s Eastern Region.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, August 30, 2026, when the men allegedly entered the backfilled site to engage in illegal mining, locally known as “Koli Koli.” Preliminary reports indicate they were digging beneath the reclaimed portion when the ground caved in, trapping them.
Their deaths have prompted investigations into how the miners gained access to the site. Authorities are expected to visit the area on Monday as efforts continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The District Security Council, led by the District Chief Executive, is also scheduled to meet bereaved families to extend condolences.
Illegal mining remains a pressing concern in parts of the Eastern Region, where abandoned and reclaimed sites pose significant risks to intruders. Officials have yet to release the identities of the deceased or confirm whether any arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
