A tragic incident has plunged the community of Anyaaso in the Bosomefreho District into fear and distress, after a 45-year-old woman reportedly drowned in an abandoned illegal mining (“galamsey”) pit. The grim discovery, made on June 20, 2025, of her decomposed body partially submerged in mud, is believed to have occurred four days after the fatal accident.
The news, initially reported by adomonline.com, has since spread rapidly, sparking widespread public outcry and renewed calls for immediate intervention from authorities to secure the countless abandoned mining sites that dot the landscape.
Residents, speaking from a place of deep frustration and sorrow, revealed that the victim’s body was in such an advanced state of decomposition that it had to be retrieved and buried swiftly. This latest tragedy underscores a perilous reality for communities living in areas affected by illegal mining.
“This is not the first time we’re seeing such a thing. These abandoned pits have become death traps. Something must be done,” one distraught resident lamented, articulating a sentiment widely shared within Anyaaso. The community has urgently demanded a swift and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, emphasizing that the growing number of unsecured galamsey pits poses an imminent and grave threat to lives.
They are appealing directly to the government and local authorities to implement robust safety measures to prevent further tragedies. The incident adds to the persistent and escalating concerns about the environmental degradation and safety hazards inextricably linked with illegal mining activities across various parts of Ghana.
The destructive nature of galamsey, characterized by indiscriminate digging and often the abandonment of dangerous, water-filled pits, has long been a source of contention. These unfenced and often deep pits, remnants of unregulated gold extraction, pose significant risks not only to adults but also, tragically, to children who may unknowingly fall into them. The contamination of water bodies and destruction of farmlands are well-documented consequences, but the direct threat to human life from unsecured pits is a chilling reminder of the immediate dangers faced by affected communities.
As the community of Anyaaso mourns, their demand for decisive action resonates across Ghana, intensifying the national conversation on how best to tackle the pervasive issue of galamsey and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Source: http://thepressradio.com
