Death lurking in galamsey pit claims young man at Bogyawe

Tragedy struck the community of Bogyawe in the Bekwai Municipal Area of the Ashanti Region when a young man, believed to be about 25 years old, drowned in a water-filled pit abandoned by illegal miners.

The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday, January 7, after the victim reportedly entered the disused galamsey pit and never resurfaced. Hours later — between four and five hours after the incident — residents said frantic efforts to retrieve his body from the pit were still ongoing.

According to residents, the pit was left uncovered after illegal mining activities ceased, turning it into a deadly hazard for the community. They explained that during the rainy season, such pits rapidly fill with water, making them even more dangerous and difficult to detect.

Community members say the tragedy is not an isolated one. They allege that at least two similar drowning incidents have occurred in the area in the past under comparable conditions, fuelling growing concern over public safety.

Angry and frustrated, residents are calling on authorities — including the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency and local government officials — to urgently reclaim abandoned galamsey sites and ensure degraded lands are properly restored to prevent further loss of life.

Police have since been informed of the incident, and investigations are expected to begin once the victim’s body is retrieved.