Four Feared Dead in Illegal Mining Pit Collapse in Ashanti Region
May 28,2026
A tragic mining pit collapse at Bepotenten Sukuum in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region has claimed the lives of four suspected illegal miners.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, around 4:00 p.m., when an abandoned mining pit suddenly caved in while the victims were reportedly carrying out illegal mining activities at the site.
The deceased have been identified as Nartey Solomon, 30, Ezekiel, 22, Awudu, 27, and Yaro, 26. All the victims are said to be residents of the community.
Reports indicate that police officers from Jacobu responded to the scene after receiving information from the area Assembly Member, Samuel Ekwam Ananse, at about 5:30 p.m.
Preliminary investigations suggest that five individuals were working at the abandoned mining site when the pit unexpectedly collapsed, trapping the miners beneath the debris. One person reportedly survived the incident.
With support from community members, rescue efforts were carried out to retrieve the bodies from the collapsed pit before police arrived at the scene.
Police examination revealed that the victims sustained severe injuries from the cave-in. Authorities later transported the bodies to the St. Peter’s Catholic Hospital mortuary in Jacobu for preservation and autopsy.
Officials also disclosed that part of the land where the tragedy occurred is currently undergoing reclamation by a private company.
The unfortunate incident has renewed concerns over the persistent dangers associated with illegal mining activities, especially at abandoned and unregulated mining sites across the country.
