A desperate community-led rescue operation is underway in the town of Diaso after a galamsey (illegal mining) pit collapsed on Saturday afternoon, trapping several miners underground.
The incident occurred on May 24, prompting an immediate response from local residents and volunteers, who have continued to dig through rubble more than 24 hours later. As of Sunday evening, no bodies had been recovered, and the fate of the miners remains unknown.
Eyewitnesses say the miners, whose identities are yet to be confirmed, were working inside the pit when it suddenly gave way. The collapse sparked panic and grief in the town, where illegal mining remains a grim reality for many seeking a livelihood.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Kwame Mensah, a local resident helping with the search. “We are using our bare hands, shovels, anything we can find. We just want to bring them out, dead or alive.”
Officials have not yet issued a formal statement, but local authorities are reportedly coordinating with national disaster teams to support the ongoing effort.
This incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers of illegal mining in Ghana, an issue that continues to threaten lives and damage the environment despite repeated government crackdowns.
As night falls in Diaso, hopes of finding survivors grow faint, but the community refuses to give up.
