22 Drown In Abandoned Galamsey Pits In 7 Months – NADMO Reveals
The Central Regional Director of National Disaster Management Organization, (NADMO) Mr. Kwesi Dawood, has revealed that the region has recorded 22 drowning incidents over the past seven months as a result of abandoned and unconverted galamsey pits.
He said many of these cases sadly involved school children.
Speaking at a media briefing, Mr. Dawood described the situation as both alarming and heartbreaking, adding that the actual number of cases may be higher, as many incidents go unreported.
He made these remarks during the launch of a major land reclamation and tree-planting campaign spearheaded by the Central Regional NADMO Secretariat in collaboration with MMDCEs, traditional leaders, and security agencies.
The initiative is focused on addressing the environmental damage and human risks caused by illegal mining.
Targeted districts include Assin North, Assin Central, Upper Denkyira East and West, Twifo Ati-Morkwa, Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira, and KEEA.
To support the efforts of district and municipal assemblies, Mr. Dawood disclosed that the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, has deployed heavy equipment as part of the government’s broader Responsible Mining Initiative.
Mr. Dawood also appealed to small-scale miners to actively support the reclamation drive. He added that free crop seedlings will be distributed to affected communities for planting on reclaimed lands, providing alternative livelihood opportunities.
Story by; Shadrack Owusu Asante, Rich FM Assin Fosu
