C/R: Eight dead in illegal mining pit

An illegal small scale mining pit in the outskirts of Ayanfuri in the Central Region has collapsed, trapping eight persons between the ages of 24 and 35 years.

The illegal miners were rescued by residents and rushed to the Dunkwa on Offin Government Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

Bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Hospital’s morgue.

Public Relations Officer for Central Regional Police Command, Evans Isaac Ettsie said the incident is currently under investigation.

“Currently the crime scene is being patrolled by the Dunkwa District Police and the place is also secured by them,” he added.

Meanwhile, a mining expert, Richard Ellimah has asked the government to task all Districts Chief Executives to take charge of the activities of these illegal miners.

“We want a more sustainable solution to the problem. We need to engage illegal miners at the local level. Every DCE knows where these illegal mining sites are located. If we task them, they will be able to fish out the illegal mining sites.”