wenchi – DENKYEMBOUR

On Wednesday, 16th July 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Akyem Wenchi, a community located within the Denkyembour District of the Eastern Region, where a mining pit reportedly collapsed, trapping about thirty (30) individuals believed to be engaged in illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey.” According to preliminary reports from local authorities and eyewitnesses, the collapse happened in the early hours of the day when the miners had descended into the pit in search of gold. So far, rescuers have been able to retrieve four (4) lifeless bodies from the debris while the search and rescue efforts continue under very difficult and tense circumstances.

Illegal mining activities have been on the ascendancy in the Denkyembour District in recent years, particularly in mining-prone areas such as Akyem Wenchi, Boadua, Takrowase, and Akwatia. Despite continued efforts by the District Assembly and other regulatory bodies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minerals Commission, and the Ghana Police Service, to curb the menace and regulate the activities of small-scale miners, several individuals and groups continue to engage in unlicensed mining, often in deep pits and under hazardous conditions. These activities have not only posed environmental and health risks but have also resulted in numerous deaths, land degradation, and pollution of water bodies in the district.

In an interview following the incident, the District Chief Executive, Honorable Umar Ahmed Tutu, expressed deep concern over the growing disregard for law and order in some of the communities. He revealed that the rescue operation at the collapsed pit was severely obstructed by a section of the community members who are believed to be sympathetic to or complicit in the illegal mining activities. These individuals reportedly prevented the police and officials of the District Assembly from accessing the site, threatening them with violence and vandalizing official vehicles. This unfortunate action hampered the immediate response efforts and created significant risks for both the rescuers and those still trapped underground.

In view of the growing tension and the increasingly hostile posture of some members of the community, the military has been deployed to support the civil authorities in restoring calm, regulating the crowd, and ensuring that the ongoing rescue operations can proceed without further hindrance. The DCE has assured the general public that everything possible is being done to save any survivors and bring closure to the affected families.

Meanwhile, this incident has reignited public debate on the negative implications of illegal mining on the socio-economic and environmental fabric of mining communities. Many Ghanaians have expressed outrage over the continued impunity with which illegal miners operate, often backed by faceless financiers and local collaborators. Civil society groups and environmental advocates have once again called on government and local assemblies to intensify enforcement measures, invest in community education, and provide alternative livelihoods for the youth to reduce the allure of illegal mining.

The Denkyembour District Assembly has reiterated its commitment to fighting illegal mining and protecting the lives of all residents. The DCE has called on traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and residents of Akyem Wenchi and surrounding communities to cooperate with government agencies in addressing the root causes of illegal mining and supporting ongoing rescue efforts. The Assembly also urged the public to refrain from obstructing official duties and to rather report such activities to the appropriate authorities.

As of the time of this report, search and rescue operations are still underway, and the situation remains tense but under control with the presence of security forces. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Mining Pit Collapses at an Illegal Mining Site at Akyem Wenchi in the Denkyembour District