E/R:30-Year-Old Miner Drowns in Abandoned Mining Pit at Asiakwa; NADMO Issues Safety Recommendations
A tragic incident has occurred at Akyem Asiakwa in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region, where a 30-year-old miner, identified as Asiedu Joshua, drowned in an abandoned mining pit.
The unfortunate incident happened yesterday, leaving residents in shock. The body of the deceased was later retrieved by community members.
The Abuakwa South Municipal Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), led by Mr. Aikins Ofori, swiftly responded to the scene and subsequently outlined key recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
According to NADMO, the abandoned pit should be urgently secured through fencing, backfilling, or complete reclamation to prevent public access. The organisation also recommended the erection of warning signs around all abandoned mining pits and water bodies within the area to alert the public to the dangers they pose.
NADMO further urged the Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to conduct a comprehensive mapping and risk assessment of all abandoned galamsey sites in Asiakwa and surrounding communities.
In addition, the Directorate called for intensified community sensitisation and public education to discourage swimming or any recreational activities in abandoned mining pits.
The organisation also stressed the need for strict enforcement of mine site reclamation laws and regulations by enforcement agencies to prevent future tragedies.
Finally, NADMO advised that traditional authorities should be cautioned and sensitised against involvement in illegal mining activities, noting that such practices endanger lives, the environment, and community safety.
Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare

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