Four suspected illegal miners, popularly known as galamseyers, have reportedly lost their lives following the collapse of a mining pit at Skuumu, near Gyaman-Nkwanta in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.
The tragic incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, throwing the entire community into a state of shock and grief.
According to reports, the victims were trapped underground when the pit suddenly caved in during illegal mining operations. Residents and eyewitnesses quickly raised alarm, prompting an emergency response from security personnel and local authorities.
Personnel from the Ghana Police Service, together with other security agencies, were immediately dispatched to the scene to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. The bodies of the deceased were later retrieved from the collapsed pit.
The identities of the victims had not officially been released at the time of filing this report.
The unfortunate incident has once again renewed public concern over the growing menace of illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, which continue to pose serious environmental and safety risks in many mining communities across the country.
Residents in the area have called on government and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal mining operations to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of farmlands and water bodies.
Police are expected to commence investigations into the incident.
