12-year-old boy dies after falling into illegal mining pit in Akwatia

A 12-year-old boy from Boadua Presby Junior High School has tragically lost his life after falling into an abandoned illegal mining pit near his home in Boadua, a suburb of Akwatia in the Eastern Region.

The incident, which occurred early on March 6, 2025, cast a shadow over Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebrations.

The victim, an orphan, was reportedly playing near the hazardous pit when he accidentally fell in. His body has since been deposited at the St. Dominic Catholic Hospital morgue in Akwatia.

Despite ongoing government efforts and civil society campaigns to curb illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, the practice remains rampant in several communities, including Akwatia, Kade, Oda, Asamankese, Kyebi, and Ayensuanor.

Illegal miners, often operating in defiance of the law, leave behind deep, water-filled pits that pose extreme risks to local communities. These abandoned sites not only claim lives but also contribute to deforestation, land degradation, and water pollution, particularly affecting major water bodies like the Pra, Birim, and Offin rivers.

The Ghanaian government has taken various steps to combat galamsey, including the deployment of military task forces such as Operation Vanguard and Operation Halt II. However, the illegal miners, many of whom are armed, continue to operate with impunity, defying regulatory authorities and law enforcement.

The tragic death of this young boy has reignited public concern over the devastating impact of illegal mining on communities.

Residents and advocacy groups are once again calling for stricter enforcement of mining laws, improved reclamation efforts, and the protection of vulnerable individuals living near abandoned mining sites.

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