Environmental journalist with the Multimedia Group, Erastus Asare Donkor, has raised alarm over a disturbing and dangerous phenomenon in Konongo Odumase, in the Ashanti Region, where residents are reportedly living atop a vast network of illicit mine shafts dug directly beneath their homes.
Speaking on JoyNews’ News Desk on Monday, 12 May, Mr Donkor described the town as “a crime scene”, citing blatant violations of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, which prohibits mining activities within human settlements and within 100 metres of public roads.
Despite these legal restrictions, residents — both landlords and tenants — are said to be complicit in, or at the very least aware of, illegal mining operations that have hollowed out large swathes of the town’s foundation.
“These are landlords and tenants in action. They know the repercussions, they are aware,” Donkor said.
He added: “They are the same people who had blocked this particular road because they fear that if any heavy-duty vehicle passes that street, it could cave in.”
Perhaps most shocking is Donkor’s revelation that in some Konongo Odumase homes, the entrances to mine shafts are located inside bedrooms.
“If you see somebody entering a house in Odumase and you think that he is going to sleep or something, he is going down a pit,” he explained. “There are many of these houses like that.”
The journalist warned that the town is essentially built on a fragile foundation, with numerous underground tunnels threatening the structural integrity of buildings and roads. He cautioned that any significant tremor or ground movement could trigger a catastrophic collapse, endangering hundreds of lives.
Despite the clear danger and legal breaches, Donkor lamented the apparent inaction of authorities.
“Unfortunately, this is not a crime in the eyes of the police in Odumase,” he said. “Many of them know about this. They turn a blind eye to it. No arrests have been made. No attempts have been made to even stop this practice.”
Efforts by JoyNews to speak with the local chief on the matter were unsuccessful. According to Donkor, he was repeatedly told the chief was unavailable and unwilling to comment.
“Odumase is sitting on a ticking time bomb,” Donkor concluded. “If there is any major shake, we are bound to witness a major disaster in that town.”
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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