Seven Miners Killed After Mining Pit Collapses in Eastern Region

Seven miners have died following the collapse of a mining pit at Asaman Tamfoe in the Atiwa East District of Ghana’s Eastern Region.

The incident occurred on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the concession of Xtra Gold Mining Company, where the victims were reportedly engaged in illegal mining activities in search of gold.

Rescue efforts at the site have since been concluded, with authorities confirming the recovery of all seven bodies.

Four Miners Escaped Before Collapse

According to the Atiwa East District Security Council (DISEC), 11 miners were initially working at the site before the incident.

District Chief Executive Ernest Owusu Ntim, who visited the scene, said four of the miners left the site before the pit collapsed, while the remaining seven were trapped underground.

“They were 11 and out of the eleven, I think four decided to go home because Sunday was Akwasidae. The rest were the seven bodies we were able to retrieve,” he said.

The collapse is believed to have occurred at approximately 11:00 p.m., while the miners were inside the pit.

Community Mobilises Rescue Effort

Sources indicated that two miners who were outside the pit when it collapsed immediately returned to the community to seek help.

Residents subsequently organised a search and rescue operation and alerted the Police and other emergency response agencies.

The coordinated effort resulted in the recovery of the bodies of the seven trapped miners.

Investigation Underway

Following the completion of the rescue operation, authorities have begun assessing the site to determine the circumstances that led to the collapse.

The Atiwa East DISEC is expected to establish the cause of the incident and examine the conditions under which the miners were operating.

Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any safety or regulatory breaches contributed to the collapse.