A tragic incident has unfolded at the Akoon Community Mining site, a component of the Tarkwa Community Mining Programme, resulting in the feared loss of five lives due to a collapsed mining pit.
The deceased individuals have been recovered and placed in the Tarkwa Morgue, with the mining company assuring that safety measures are being reinforced.
While the incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, September 13, it seems to have gone largely unnoticed by the media.
A miner who was present at the scene of the accident described the atmosphere as unusual and said that they were informed of the accident by a fellow worker who brought four lifeless bodies to the surface.
However, he suggested that the actual number of casualties might be higher, as some individuals sent to extract ore from the pit remain unaccounted for.
Contradicting this account, the General Manager of the mining company contended that the accident occurred in an area where mining was prohibited. He explained that those involved in the incident had worked illegally in a section where they were not allowed to mine. Their activities led to the collapse of the pit’s ceiling, resulting in casualties.
The General Manager confirmed that four individuals were injured and received medical care at Redeemer Hospital, while five unfortunate individuals lost their lives. He noted that this incident represents the most significant fatality since the mining project’s inception.
The Akoon Community Mining is a vital component of the Tarkwa Community Mining Programme, initiated by president Akufo-Addo in 2021. Data indicates that 4,887 people have been directly employed at the mine since the program’s launch.