The Chief of Sefwi Kwawkrom in the Juaboso District of the Western North Region has raised serious concerns over the increasing loss of lives linked to abandoned pits left by illegal mining activities in the area.
Illegal mining continues to destroy farmlands, water bodies, and forest reserves across the district, while posing a deadly risk to residents. Many miners abandon deep pits after operations, leaving farms and access roads as dangerous death traps.
Kwawkrom, a predominantly farming community, has been among the hardest hit. Residents say miners often assure traditional authorities and community leaders that lands will be reclaimed, but these promises are rarely fulfilled.
One miner accused of leaving pits unattended is Nana Matthias Mateasem, the Chief of Sefwi Ahwiam in the Sehwi Wiawso Municipality. Reports indicate that mining near the Kwawkrom–Amantreso road created pits over 30 feet deep, yet no reclamation has been carried out months after operations ended.
In a phone interview with Adom News, Nana Mateasem admitted to mining in the area but said he had informed the local assemblyman to oversee reclamation on his behalf. Despite this, the pits remain uncovered more than three months later.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Sefwi Kwawkrom, Nana Yaw Gyabeng I, described the situation as alarming and life-threatening. He revealed that since ascending the stool, he has buried five people whose deaths were linked to abandoned galamsey pits.
“The pits have disrupted farming and made it difficult for residents to transport their produce. Schoolchildren using these roads are constantly at risk, with some afraid to attend school,” Nana Gyabeng said.
He has appealed to the government to clamp down on illegal mining and ensure the reclamation of abandoned pits to prevent further loss of lives.
Sources indicate that the Juaboso District Police Command has been informed and is expected to take appropriate action.
