Atwima Mponua MP Hon. Seth Osei Akoto Consoles Families of 8 Killed in Kasotie Galamsey Pit Disaster

A wave of grief has swept through the Kasotie community in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region following the tragic collapse of an illegal mining pit, popularly known as a galamsey site, which has claimed the lives of eight individuals. The heartbreaking incident, which occurred about a week ago, initially left seven dead out of eleven affected miners, with one more person succumbing to severe injuries days later at a nearby hospital.

In a show of solidarity and compassion, the Member of Parliament for Atwima Mponua, Hon. Seth Osei Akoto, visited the grieving families to offer his condolences and personally console them during this period of immense sorrow. Accompanied by local leaders and some officials from the district assembly, Hon. Osei Akoto expressed deep sympathy for the victims’ families and assured them of his continuous support as they recover from the devastating loss.

Addressing the community during his visit, the MP emphasized the urgent need for responsible and regulated mining practices. He lamented the growing number of young men losing their lives in unsafe, illegal mining operations and urged the youth to prioritize their safety over short-term financial gains. He said the lives of the youth were too precious to be wasted in unsafe mining pits and called for the adoption of responsible and safer mining methods that would protect lives and the environment.

Hon. Osei Akoto appealed to community leaders, assembly members, and opinion leaders to play an active role in educating the youth about the dangers associated with unregulated mining. He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other relevant stakeholders to promote sustainable and safer mining alternatives that provide employment without endangering lives.

The Chief of Kasotie, Nana Osei Yaw, who received the MP and his entourage, expressed profound appreciation for the timely visit and the words of encouragement. He lauded the MP for his continuous concern for the welfare of his constituents, especially during moments of tragedy. The chief noted that Hon. Seth Osei Akoto had demonstrated true leadership and compassion, and his visit had brought comfort to the entire community. He urged the youth to heed the MP’s advice by engaging in lawful and safer economic activities that would secure their future.

Residents of Kasotie, still in shock and mourning, recounted the horrifying moment the pit caved in, trapping several miners underground. Rescue efforts, led by local volunteers, were hampered by the unstable nature of the pit, making recovery operations extremely difficult. The emotional toll of the incident was visible, as families and friends wept uncontrollably while recalling the tragic event.

The Kasotie galamsey pit disaster has once again drawn national attention to the recurring dangers of illegal mining across Ghana, a menace that continues to claim lives, pollute rivers, and destroy farmlands. Authorities and local leaders are being urged to intensify monitoring, enforce mining regulations, and provide alternative livelihood programmes to curb the practice and ensure community safety.

Meanwhile, families of the deceased have appealed for government support to enable them to give their loved ones a dignified burial and rebuild their lives after the tragedy. The community continues to mourn, with black cloths and red bands visible throughout Kasotie, symbolizing the collective pain and loss.

Hon. Seth Osei Akoto reaffirmed his commitment to championing policies that will make mining a source of development rather than destruction. He emphasized that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to act responsibly and decisively to protect lives. He said the continuous loss of young, energetic lives to unsafe mining practices was unacceptable and must end.

The MP pledged to collaborate with relevant state institutions and traditional authorities to ensure that mining in Atwima Mponua is conducted safely and sustainably for the benefit of all.

As Kasotie mourns its dead, Hon. Seth Osei Akoto’s visit has offered some comfort and renewed hope that steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The community now looks forward to meaningful reforms that will make mining a blessing rather than a curse.