E/R: Three children drown in galamsey pits, two rescued

Three children have drowned within a week in abandoned illegal mining (galamsey) pits in Denkyembuor and Fanteakwa South Districts of the Eastern Region.

The first tragedy occurred on March 6 in Boadua, Akwatia, when a 14-year-old boy fell into an uncovered pit near his home.

A day later, two siblings drowned in a deep mining pit at Akyem Abompe after a river diverted by illegal miners led them into the trap.

While two other children were rescued, the siblings did not survive.

Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey visited the bereaved family, stressing the urgent need to combat galamsey under the Mahama-led government.

Public concern is rising as the rainy season approaches, with calls for authorities to reclaim abandoned mining sites.