MOTHER, THREE CHILDREN DROWN IN ABANDONED GALAMSEY PIT AT WASSA DUNKWA
Police launch investigations as tragedy highlights dangers of illegal mining sites
A 42-year-old woman and her three children have tragically drowned in a water-filled galamsey pit at Wassa Dunkwa in the Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region.
The heartbreaking incident occurred on Saturday, February 28, 2026, when the family reportedly went in search of firewood near an abandoned illegal mining site that had become heavily waterlogged.
According to a local source who spoke to Citi News, the three boys led by their 14-year-old elder brother, gathered firewood and began returning home ahead of their mother. However, on their way back, they stopped at the abandoned mining pit and entered the water.
Moments later, the situation reportedly turned tragic as the children got into distress. Their mother, upon arriving at the scene and noticing her children in danger, attempted to rescue them but also ran into difficulty.
All four family members drowned in the process.
The bodies were later retrieved by officers from the Asankragwa Divisional Police Command and conveyed to the morgue of the Catholic Hospital for preservation and further examination.
The Public Relations Officer of the Western Central Police Command, ASP Beatrice Turkson, confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing.
She added that a detailed statement will be issued in due course.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers posed by abandoned illegal mining pits, which often become death traps for residents, particularly children, in mining communities.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
