At least 23 individuals have perished across the Ashanti Region following a concerning surge in deaths linked to abandoned illegal mining pits, with children constituting a disproportionately high number of victims. Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, revealed this during a commissioning ceremony for a new ultramodern office complex in Kumasi, a move that underscores the severity of the situation. The death toll, initially reported at 19, has since escalated to 23, with four individuals remaining trapped within the pits. The initial report, released on [Date – Placeholder], detailed that 11 of the deceased were children, a figure that highlights the devastating impact on the region’s youth. Dr Amoakohene stated that most of the victims were residents who were on their way to their farms when they inadvertently stumbled upon these concealed pits left behind by illegal miners. The tragedy is particularly heartbreaking considering the lives and future of these children were abruptly cut short. He emphasized the critical need for immediate action to prevent further loss of life, stressing the potential for the situation to be avoided with proper remediation and coverage of these abandoned sites. The Regional Minister underscored that the loss of these children was a devastating blow, as their lives had been tragically extinguished due to these abandoned mining locations. The government, in response to this escalating danger, has initiated a comprehensive reclamation program across affected communities. Dr Amoakohene appealed to stakeholders to support this effort, stressing the vital role of collaboration in safeguarding residents and protecting the livelihoods of those who depend on farmland for their economic survival. The Regional Minister also disclosed that significant measures had been taken to remove permanent structures from forest reserves, as part of a broader strategy to combat illegal mining. He explained that security agencies, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, had removed these permanent structures, supporting illegal mining activities. The region now lacks filling stations, and other permanent structures, operating within forest reserves, due to the abandonment of these facilities. Dr Amoakohene further revealed that the government, with support from the United Kingdom, had constructed permanent camps and other facilities along rivers in the region to bolster forest guard presence. These facilities, he stated, would enhance the region’s protection and safeguard its forests and water bodies from ongoing illegal activities. The incident, however, has triggered fresh motion for ad hoc probe into reported $1.7 billion gold theft, with Afenyo-Markin sues GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi over alleged defamatory remarks. The case, which was filed on [Date – Placeholder], centers around allegations of deliberate misrepresentation by GoldBod regarding the extent of the theft and its potential impact on the region’s economy.”
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Source: Adom Online
