Eleven individuals engaged in illegal mining—commonly known as galamseyers—are feared dead after reportedly becoming trapped in an abandoned underground mine within the Bogoso-Prestea enclave of the Western Region. Details surrounding the incident remain unclear.
According to local accounts, part of the mine is believed to have collapsed, burying the miners. Other reports suggest the victims may have suffocated after thick smoke—suspected to have resulted from an underground blast—engulfed the tunnel.
The disused mine has been linked to Heath Goldfields, although the company has yet to issue an official statement. Citi News correspondent Akwasi Agyei Annim confirmed that four bodies have so far been recovered and transported to the Prestea Government Hospital. He added that the affected site is among several concessions currently not in active operation.
According to him, the site was previously operated by FGR until its licence was revoked in February last year. A new operator was assigned in the last quarter of 2024. Sources close to the new operator say illegal miners had entered the abandoned underground tunnels and were mining when the blast occurred.
The reporter added that although initial reports suggested 11 deaths, only four bodies have been recovered so far. The total number of casualties remains unknown. The incident is reported to have taken place over the weekend.
Source: Citi Newsroom
