Tragedy struck the Assin North District of the Central Region on Thursday, April 23, 2026 after a collapse at an illegal mining site, locally known as a ‘galamsey pit’, claimed two lives and left a third person fighting for survival.
The incident took place at Assin Dansame at approximately 1:00 p.m. while a group of eight miners were operating within a newly excavated pit.
Witness accounts suggest that the structural integrity of the pit failed, causing the walls to cave in and burying three of the workers under a heavy mass of loose soil and debris.
Although residents and fellow miners immediately initiated a desperate rescue operation, their efforts were severely hampered by the treacherous depth of the excavation and the inherent instability of the surrounding terrain.
Following a period of intense exertion, the three trapped individuals were eventually recovered from the rubble. Unfortunately, two of the victims—a 22-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man—were confirmed dead.
Their bodies have since been transported to the New Edubiase Government Hospital mortuary for preservation and subsequent examination.
The lone survivor was hurried to a nearby medical facility in a state that healthcare professionals have described as extremely critical.
He remains under intensive emergency care, undergoing treatment for a range of severe injuries sustained during the collapse.
The police have officially opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
Meanwhile, officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are scheduled to conduct a site assessment to identify safety violations and provide necessary support to the grieving families.
Confirming the details of the accident, the Assin North District Director of NADMO, Mr Edward Fireson, stated that this latest tragedy highlights the urgent need for more robust measures to combat illegal mining activities within the district.
