Josiah
Seven suspected illegal miners have died after a backfilled mining site collapsed on them at Asaman Tamfoe in the Atewa East District of the Eastern Region.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, August 30, 2026, when the men reportedly entered the reclaimed mining site to engage in illegal mining, locally known as “Koli Koli.”
Preliminary information indicates that the miners were digging beneath the backfilled section of the site when the ground suddenly gave way, trapping them underground.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the dangers associated with abandoned and reclaimed mining sites, particularly when people enter such areas to carry out illegal mining activities.
Authorities are expected to visit the site on Monday as investigations begin to establish exactly what happened and how the miners gained access to the reclaimed area.
The District Security Council (DISEC), led by the District Chief Executive, is also expected to engage the bereaved families and extend its condolences as the community comes to terms with the tragedy.
Illegal mining remains a major challenge in parts of the Eastern Region, with abandoned and reclaimed sites posing serious safety risks to people who enter them.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or confirmed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Source:Omanghana
