Three children, aged between nine and fourteen, have drowned in mining pits within a span of two weeks in the Eastern Region, leaving families devastated.
The incidents highlight the ongoing dangers posed by irresponsible mining practices, which are not only destroying arable and farmlands, damaging ecosystems, and threatening livelihoods, but also claiming precious lives.
Kwabena Adjei and his wife are heartbroken after losing two children who drowned in a mining pit while attempting to swim at Abompe in the Fanteakwa South District over the weekend.
The victims’ father who had just returned from the farm, was met with the tragic news. He recounts, “it’s hard for my wife and I. Losing two kids just like that is terrible. I returned from the farm to hear my children had drowned. I saw the lifeless body of one while efforts were made to retrieve the other.”
The aftermath of irresponsible mining in the Fanteakwa South District has led to the destruction of several acres of land, with unclaimed pits scattered across communities and homes, posing significant risks.
Severely impacted also are local rivers, streams, and access to clean, potable water for nearby communities.
Our news team has uncovered that one such mining pit had been left to fill with rainwater, allegedly for future use during the dry season. “We have had water challenges, so this particular pit was left to collect water, so that it can be used for our activities, since we are in the rainy season,” explained a local resident.
In response to these tragic events, Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Adjei Awatey, visited the grieving parents at Abompe to express her condolences.
She condemned the devastation caused by unregulated mining, stating, “it is unacceptable for mining activities to destroy lands in communities and put the lives of children at risk.”
The Minister has directed the police to investigate the matter and take action against the miner responsible.
“We are coming after you, even if you have a license. Have you covered the pit? I charge the police to investigate the issue and find out who worked here. They must answer why they left the pit open after mining.”
She announced plans to meet with both large and small-scale miners. “My visit to these communities is a fact-finding mission. After this, the task force will start making arrests. This is so wrong. Where are our security personnel? Where are our local leaders? I was in Akwatia to see what happened, and what has occurred here is equally worrying. We cannot continue like this,” she lamented.
Already, the Eastern Regional Security Council has set up a task force to address the increasing irresponsible mining activities in the region.
Sustainable Development Goal five enjoins government to by 2030 manage forests sustainably, halt and reverse land and natural habitat degradation, successfully combating desertification and stop biodiversity loss.
The Mahama led regime has made statements since resuming office on January 7, 2025. Clear directives and stronger action is being expected by Civil Society Organization.
Source:
3news.com
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