Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, continues to pose a deadly threat to the lives of many Ghanaians.
It has arguably become one of the leading causes of fatalities in the country, with numerous deaths resulting from pit collapses.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, at least five mining pit collapses have been recorded, resulting in multiple fatalities and severe injuries.
This GhanaWeb article highlights the major mining pit collapses that have occurred over the past seven months in 2025.
Diaso galamsey pit collapse
Diaso, in Ghana’s Central Region, witnessed the collapse of an illegal mining (galamsey) pit on the afternoon of Saturday, May 24, 2025.
The incident trapped an unknown number of miners underground.
Mpasatia galamsey pit collapses
A galamsey pit collapse occurred at Mpasatia in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, January 15, 2025, around 2:00 PM. The incident resulted in the deaths of two illegal miners.
Another deadly pit collapse was reported at the same mining site in Mpasatia Yaw Nkwantah on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, claiming the lives of two more individuals.
According to members of the local community, the mining concession is privately owned, with operations carried out under informal authorisation and without proper supervision.
Speaking to Accra-based Joy News, local resident Nana Nkansah recounted the events leading to the collapse:
“They had mined deep into the pits. The top had become weak, and that is how the place caved in.”
Osino galamsey pit collapse
Another incident occurred at Osino in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
According to Channel One News sources, the victims were among a group of seven miners working in the pit around 2:00 AM when the structure caved in, trapping them inside.
Two young men were confirmed dead following the collapse.
Akyem Wenchi galamsey pit collapse
A recent mining pit collapse was reported at Akyem Wenchi in the Denkyembour District of the Eastern Region on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
According to sources, approximately 20 young men are believed to be trapped underground, with four fatalities confirmed so far. The exact cause of the collapse remains unknown.
Emergency response teams from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Ambulance Service, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) have been deployed to the site.
VKB/MA
