Some small-scale miners have started reclamation of their mine concession as the government initiates steps to pursue persons who have abandoned open pits.
In the Ashanti Region alone, at least eleven people have been killed in abandoned pits with the latest incident being recorded at Kasotie in the Atwima Mponua District.
Mining pits opened by illegal miners are scattered in many mining communities across the country.
On Thursday, twelve people were retrieved from a mining pit at Kasotie after the pit collapsed on them, with seven declared dead.
Between April and September 2025, four people died in a desperate search for gold in abandoned pits.
In parts of the country, there are reports of children drowning in illegal mining pits
In protecting lives in mining areas, the Minerals Development Fund has signaled preparedness to go after persons who have abandoned open pits after mining.
The Minerals Development Fund, as part of its mandate, is expected to provide funds to redress the harmful effects of mining on affected communities and persons.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, Dr.Hanna Bisiw-Kotei in an earlier interview indicated readiness to lead reclamation efforts.
“You can’t take the gold from the soil and leave the pollution to the government,” she said.
At Abompeh in the Ashanti Region, some farmers have lost their lands to small-scale mining, and most of the pits are left abandoned.
Aside from the risk to lives and properties, families who depended on the lands for survival go hungry.
But before the government’s enforcement team goes after miners who abandoned the pits, some of them are willingly reclaiming the lands.
Michael Osei of Osei Michael 79 Enterprise has led the reclamation of forty acres of land mined by the company.
“The government is against leaving pits open after mining, so as a responsible miner I had to adhere to it,” he said.
Bandim Anane until a few years ago farmed vegetables on the reclaimed land.
Today, he has returned to have a look at the reclaimed mine land in anticipation of a return.
“Some miners have started taking away their excavators after mining. You can’t confront them because you didn’t give them the land. I will plead with the government to ensure that all these people cover the pits,” he said.
Source: Nana Yaw Gyimah
