BECE Candidate Dies in a Galamsey Pit After He was Allegedly Chased by Security at Pramkuma

• A 16-year-old JHS student died after falling into a mining pit at Pramkuma while fleeing from armed security men
• Yakubu David was reportedly engaging in illegal mining, or galamsey, to support himself when the incident occurred
• His tragic death has sparked grief in the community and calls from his family for a full government investigation
• Apostle Eric Okai, senior pastor and counsellor, provided some valuable tips to help the family of decease cope with grief

Yakubu David, a 16-year-old Junior High School pupil, has died after falling into a mining pit at Pramkuma in the Kwaebibirem Municipal District of the Eastern Region.

The teenager reportedly fell while running from security personnel, who were said to have been armed with guns and cutlasses.

According to media reports, David had been engaging in illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, with some friends to support himself.

Giving his account, James Abanga, a close friend of the deceased, said the armed men accused David of stealing gold from the site, which led to a chase with a tragic end.

Read also

Remans of missing UEW Lecturer found dead buried in his home; police make arrest

James further alleged that the security men had first beaten David before pushing him into the galamsey pit, leading to his death.

David’s sudden death has left his family, friends, and the entire Pramkuma township in deep sorrow.

His father, Yakubu Ayuba, acknowledged that many youth in the area had resorted to illegal mining to survive.

Visibly devastated, he appealed to the government to investigate the incident and bring those responsible for his son's death to justice.

David, a final-year student at Akyem-Techiman Methodist JHS, was preparing to sit for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Galamsey is the illegal extraction of minerals without state approval. This activity has caused serious environmental damage, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.

It has also resulted in the deaths of several young Ghanaians in mining areas across the country.

The video coverage of the teen's death in the galamsey pit is below:

Read also

UCC students hold vigil for fresh graduate who died two months after her wedding, video

Speaking to YEN.com.gh, Apostle Eric Okai, a senior pastor and counsellor, expressed his sympathy with the deceased family and provided them with tips to help them cope with his passing.

Speaking to YEN.com.gh, Apostle Eric Okai, a senior pastor and counsellor, expressed his sympathy with the deceased family and provided them with tips to help them cope with his passing.

"To the family and loved ones of the young boy who lost his life in the mining pit, I offer my deepest condolences. Losing a child is one of the most painful experiences a parent can endure, and I can only imagine the depth of your sorrow, he said

"Grief is a journey, and everyone navigates it differently. Allow yourselves to feel the emotions that come with this loss. It's okay to cry, to scream, to feel angry or numb. Give yourselves permission to process your emotions, and don't hesitate to seek support from loved ones, friends, or professional counselors," he further stated.

Read also

Ghanaian woman regrets voting for John Mahama after AMA decongestion: "Akufo-Addo didn't do this"

Ghanaians react to Yakubu David’s passing

After news of the 16-year-old’s tragic death broke on social media, many Ghanaians expressed their grief and concern.

YEN.com.gh compiled some of their reactions to the matter below:

WKofi Amoah Ewusie-Mensah said:

"A boy abt to write BECE what is he doing at the galamsay site hmmmmmmmmm so sad.'

@Maame Sarpong also said:

"This is so sad. A minor shouldn't die this way."

@Kwaku Banks commented:

"A person at that age hmm let’s develop this country because if not hunger what will push him to go to Galamsey site."

@Elizarbeth Caleb also commented:

"Because of bad economy this is what Ghana youth are facing ooo motherland Ghana Pls God save us."

Galamsey queen slams critics of illegal miners

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported that a lady involved in galamsey took to social media to slam her critics.

In the trending video, she boldly asserted that she would not back down from her illegal mining activities.

Read also

Accra: Mechanic cries out as floodwaters destroy his shop, sweep away five cars belonging to customers

She justified her involvement by claiming there were no jobs and that the galamsey business was lucrative.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh