Illegal mining activities in the Western North Region continue to claim the lives of young people, raising serious concerns about the safety of those engaged in the practice and the future of the youth.
Four young men have reportedly lost their lives in separate galamsey pit incidents in the region within a period of approximately one month.
On September 17, 2026, two young men died in a galamsey pit in the Juaboso District after reportedly becoming trapped underground during mining activities. They were said to have been overcome by heat, and despite being retrieved from the pit, they lost their lives.
On October 18, 2026, two more people died in another suspected galamsey pit incident at Sefwi Datano in the Bodi District.
According to reports, the victims were buried under sand while working in the pit. They were later retrieved but were found dead.
Their bodies have reportedly been deposited at the Juaboso Government Mortuary.
The four victims were all young people below the age of 40, highlighting the devastating human cost of unsafe illegal mining activities in the region.
Although authorities in the Western North Region are making efforts to address illegal mining, the recurring deaths point to the need for stronger enforcement measures and renewed strategies to protect lives.
Corporate bodies, responsible mining operators and relevant stakeholders must intensify community engagement and support skills training programmes to provide young people with alternative livelihood opportunities.
There is also a need for stricter enforcement of mining regulations, improved safety measures and sustained public education to prevent further loss of life.
The recurring incidents serve as a reminder that urgent and coordinated action is needed to protect the youth and ensure that mining activities do not continue to claim innocent lives in the Western North Region.
