A 23-year-old man has tragically lost his life while three others are in critical conditions following the collapse of an illegal mining pit on Tuesday, at Nkonteng, near Nkawie in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The deceased, identified as Osei Kwabena, a native of Offinso, was trapped beneath the rubble and could not be rescued.
However, the other three were pulled out alive with severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Nkawie government hospital.
The body of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue for autopsy and preservation.
Mr Koyim Mahama Iddrisu, Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), confirmed the incident to Ghana News Agency, highlighting the dangers associated with illegal mining activities in the region.
“One good citizen called me to say that a galamsey pit had collapsed on four people. Since they were around, they were able to rescue three.
The fourth person was in the pit when it collapsed so when they removed him, he was dead.
The injured people were taken to the Nkawie government hospital and are receiving treatment,” he stated.
