Tragedy Strikes in Western Region As Six Lives Are Lost in Galamsey Pit Collapse
- Six people have lost their lives in the collapse of an illegal mining pit at Wassa Dunkwa in the Amenfi West Municipality
- The victims, four men and two women, were reportedly mining for a living at the site when the unfortunate incident happened
- This incident underscored the risks associated with illegal mining and also the need for affected communities to be protected
- Apostle Eric Okai, senior pastor at the Elim Church in Accra, shared his views on this in a discussion with YEN.com.gh
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Six people have reportedly lost their lives in the collapse of an illegal mining (galamsey) pit at Wassa Dunkwa, in the Amenfi West Municipality, in the Western Region.
A devastating incident claimed the lives of four men and two women, who were reportedly at the galamsey site mining to earn a living.
Source: Getty Images
The collapse of the pit is a grim reminder of the risks faced by individuals involved in illegal mining.
Reacting to this unfortunate incident in a discussion with YEN.com.gh, Apostle Eric Okai, senior pastor at the Elim Church in Accra, offered his deepest condolences to the grieving families, saying that the love of God would surround them during this painful time.
He added that the memories of their loved ones would bring them comfort and that they would find strength in the support of those around them.
Apostle Okai also prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and bless the families with peace that surpasses all understanding.
"To the grieving families, I offer my deepest condolences. May the love of God surround you during this painful time. May the memories of your loved ones bring you comfort, and may you find strength in the support of those around you. May God grant them eternal rest and bless you with peace that surpasses all understanding," he said.
Other galamsey-related deaths in Ghana
The Wassa Dunkwa incident is one of several deaths linked to galamsey activities reported since the start of 2025.
Earlier this year, media outlets reported that four individuals died when a mining pit collapsed at Akyem Wankyi in the Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region.
One person was rescued in critical condition and rushed to St. Dominic Hospital in Akwatia for urgent medical care.
The collapse reportedly occurred on July 16, 2025, while miners were working inside the galamsey pit.
Upon hearing about the incident, local residents and police quickly responded, launching a rescue operation, as per media reports.
Authorities and volunteers were still searching for more potential victims, as it remained uncertain whether others had been trapped.
Rescuers continued to dig through the rubble in hopes of finding additional survivors.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, with authorities looking into the circumstances of the tragic event.
In another incident, it was reported that 16-year-old Junior High School student, Yakubu David, died after falling into a galamsey pit at Pramkuma in the Kwaebibirem Municipal District of the Eastern Region.
Source: Getty Images
The teenager, who was then a BECE candidate, allegedly fell into the pit while fleeing from armed security personnel carrying guns and cutlasses.
According to media reports, David had been involved in illegal mining, also known as galamsey, with some friends to support himself.
James Abanga, a close friend, shared that the armed men accused David of stealing gold from the site, which led to a fatal chase.
This tragic incident has further highlighted the need for increased efforts to curb illegal mining activities and ensure the safety of communities affected by such operations.
Authorities have been urged to take decisive action to prevent further incidents and protect the lives of Ghanaians.
BECE candidate trades exams for galamsey
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported earlier that a BECE candidate in the Ashanti Region had allegedly abandoned his exams to work in a galamsey pit, citing the need to 'hustle for money'.
The candidate, who was registered at Duapompo M/A JHS in Juaben, reportedly skipped the first day of the ongoing exams. The Juaben Municipal Chief Executive expressed surprise.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
