Tragic incident at illegal mining site leaves one individual deceased and seven others wounded in a shooting.

A devastating incident has occurred at an illicit mining (galamsey) location in Nyameadom, within the Ashanti Region, resulting in the tragic death of a woman. 

The fatal event transpired when a member of a local security team working for Chinese miners discharged a firearm into a mining pit. The women present in the pit, seeking remnants of gold, were allegedly being dispersed by the guard through a warning shot. Regrettably, the shot missed its intended target, claiming the life of one woman and injuring seven others.

In response to the tragedy, enraged locals set ablaze an excavator owned by the unauthorized miners. The wounded individuals were promptly transported to medical facilities for treatment, with two casualties being transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the remaining five receiving care at the Mankranso Government Hospital.

Kwame Sefa Kayi has raised concerns about the presence of firearms at galamsey sites, cautioning that the proliferation of weapons in these areas poses a significant national security risk. He highlighted the potential danger of inadvertently creating an armed faction from the galamsey activities, stressing the urgent need to curb illegal mining practices to prevent such dire consequences.

Amid mounting apprehension from various sectors regarding galamsey operations and their detrimental environmental impact, pressure groups and religious bodies have organized demonstrations to advocate for a ban on galamsey activities. Despite these efforts, there is a call for decisive action from the government to address the persisting challenges associated with illegal mining in Ghana.

Credit:JoyNews, Pulse.