The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has revealed that more than 22 people have drowned in abandoned illegal mining pits in the Central Region over the past seven months.
According to Regional Director Kwesi Dawood, the deaths include not only galamsey operators but also innocent victims, particularly women and children with no direct links to mining activities. He described the situation as both “alarming” and “heartbreaking”, stressing that the true figures could be even higher due to underreporting.
Mr. Dawood made the disclosure during a media briefing after a Regional Security Council meeting, which also saw the launch of a special task force to reclaim abandoned mining sites across the region.
Task Force to Reclaim Degraded Lands
The task force, which will operate in Assin North, Assin Central, Upper Denkyira East and West, Twifo Ati-Morkwa, Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira, and the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality, includes representatives from security agencies, NADMO, MMDA officials, the EPA, the Minerals Commission, miners, and the media.
Mr. Dawood explained that the move forms part of a broader government strategy to curb environmental destruction, improve safety, and restore abandoned galamsey sites for agricultural use.
“This initiative includes implementing our ‘Tree for Life’ reforestation policy, aimed at cultivating cash crops such as cocoa, palm, and rubber on rehabilitated sites,” he noted.
Government’s Reclamation Agenda
Regional Minister Ekow Payin Okyere Eduamoah, represented by Mr. Abdullah Amoh, highlighted that the reclamation drive will transform degraded lands into productive farmlands and plantations. Free crop seedlings will also be distributed to farming communities to encourage sustainable livelihoods.
He stressed that reforestation, soil rehabilitation, and water purification efforts would help reduce flooding risks, water contamination, and health challenges caused by toxic mining residues.
“Addressing the aftermath of illegal mining is vital for ecological balance, economic sustainability, and the well-being of present and future generations,” Mr. Amoh said.
The government further assured that stricter enforcement, public sensitisation, and community involvement will be key to tackling illegal mining and reclaiming degraded lands.
Source – My News Ghana
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