At least ten illegal miners are feared dead and about 30 others are in critical condition following a mine collapse at Manso Tontokrom in the Ashanti Region.
The incident reportedly occurred during illegal mining operations when a section of the pit caved in, trapping several miners underground. Eyewitnesses say the miners were working deep inside the site when the structure gave way, causing panic and confusion.
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Rescue efforts were immediately initiated by local residents and emergency responders, who worked for hours to retrieve those trapped beneath the debris. Some survivors were pulled out unconscious and rushed to nearby health facilities for emergency treatment.
Medical personnel say many of the injured are in critical condition, suffering from fractures, suffocation and other life-threatening complications.
The exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed, but local sources indicate that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, remains a major challenge in parts of the Ashanti Region and other mining communities across Ghana.
The practice often involves unsafe excavation methods without proper structural reinforcement, increasing the risk of deadly collapses.
Authorities are expected to launch investigations into the circumstances surrounding the cave-in, while community leaders have renewed calls for stricter enforcement against illegal mining activities to prevent further tragedies.
The incident adds to growing concerns about the human cost of unregulated mining and the urgent need for safer, sustainable alternatives for livelihoods in affected communities.
