The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has commiserated with the families who lost their relatives in an abandoned galamsey pit at Akyem Abompe in the Eastern Region.
The deceased, Twenefuo Koranteng (13) and Kwaku Antwi (10), in the company of two other children, allegedly went swimming in an uncovered galamsey pit on Saturday, March 9, 2025, where they tragically drowned.
The death of these two biological brothers bring to three the number of reported fatalities caused by abandoned galamsey pits in the region within the past two weeks.
The first incident involved 14-year-old Sampson Seku at Akwatia-Boadua in the Denkyembour District.
Mrs. Awatey expressed her heartfelt condolences and sympathies with the bereaved families during this difficult time.
She described the situation as unfortunate and tragic, stating that an activity meant to provide employment and income is instead claiming innocent lives and causing grief to families.
She charged the Ghana Police Service to immediately launch an investigation into the recent incidents and summon the owners of the two suspected illegal mining sites for questioning.
The minister warned that the mining licenses of any individuals or companies operating unlawfully would be revoked.
She urged miners to act responsibly in their operations and directed the Regional Illegal Mining Task Force to clamp down on all illegal mining activities.
The minister instructed the police to arrest and prosecute any recalcitrant miner who violates Ghana’s mining laws and regulations.
