Some small-scale miners have begun reclaiming their concessions as the government takes steps to pursue those who have abandoned open pits.
In the Ashanti Region alone, at least eleven people have lost their lives in abandoned pits, the most recent incident occurring at Kasotie in the Atwima Mponua District.
Mining pits left behind by illegal miners are scattered across many communities nationwide. On Thursday, twelve people were retrieved from a collapsed pit at Kasotie, with seven confirmed dead.
Between April and September 2025, four others died while desperately searching for gold in abandoned pits. In some parts of the country, there have also been reports of children drowning in such pits.
To protect lives in mining areas, the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) has signalled its readiness to go after miners who leave open pits after operations. The Fund, as part of its mandate, is tasked with addressing the harmful effects of mining on affected communities and individuals.
The Chief Executive Officer of the MDF, Dr Hanna Bisiw-Kotei, in an earlier interview, indicated the Fund’s preparedness to lead reclamation efforts.
“You can’t take the gold from the soil and leave the pollution to the government,” she said.
At Abompeh in the Ashanti Region, some farmers have lost their lands to small-scale mining, with many pits left abandoned. Beyond the risk to lives and property, families who relied on these lands for survival are left struggling with hunger.
However, before the government’s enforcement team begins action, some miners are voluntarily reclaiming their lands.
Michael Osei of Osei Michael 79 Enterprise has already reclaimed forty acres mined by his company.
“The government is against leaving pits open after mining, so as a responsible miner I had to adhere to it,” he said.
Bandim Anane, who until a few years ago cultivated vegetables on reclaimed land, recently revisited the site in anticipation of returning to farming.
“Some miners have started moving away with their excavators after mining. You can’t confront them because you didn’t give them the land. I will plead with the government to ensure that all these people cover the pits,” he said.
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