Ahafo: Police in Ahafo have confirmed the death of nine illegal miners in connection with the collapse of an illegal mining pit at Tontokrom, a community in the Asutifi South District of the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, Chief Inspector Kwadwo Boakye, the Ahafo Regional Public Relations Officer of the police Administration, stated that the incident occurred on Saturday, February 28, 2026, resulting in four individuals sustaining injuries. The injured are currently receiving treatment at the Hiwdiem St. Elizabeth Catholic Hospital in the district.
Chief Inspector Boakye mentioned that the bodies of six of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital's morgue, while three, being Muslims, have been released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic customs. The deceased include Issaka Iddrisu, Salam Kobori, Nana Tuffuor, Appiah Tuluso, Seidu Mohammed, Kwabena Salifu, Yakunu Ibrahim, Akwasi Desmond, and Akoto Lartey, ranging in age from 20 to 52 years.
The miners were reportedly prospecting for gold underground when the pit collapsed, trapping them at a cocoa farm near the 'Atta ne Atta' village. The police are currently investigating the incident. Chief Inspector Boakye added that rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency responders and local volunteers assessing the full scope of the tragedy. He urged the youth in the area to avoid illegal mining activities, noting the significant loss of lives due to such practices.