Four Illegal Miners Dead in Abandoned Bogoso-Prestea Mine
Four galamseyers confirmed dead in Bogoso-Prestea mine tragedy; authorities continue search for others
- Four bodies recovered from an abandoned underground mine in Bogoso-Prestea
- Mine collapse or blast-induced suffocation suspected; total casualties still unknown
- Site was previously operated legally but abandoned; illegal miners had entered tunnels
At least four illegal miners, commonly known as galamseyers, have died after being trapped in an abandoned underground mine in the Bogoso-Prestea area of Ghana’s Western Region.
The fate of the remaining miners remains uncertain.
Reports from the area vary. Some residents say part of the mine collapsed, burying those inside, while others suggest the miners may have suffocated due to thick smoke, possibly from an underground blast.
The mine, linked to Heath Goldfields, is currently non-operational, and the company has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.
According to reports, the four bodies have been recovered and taken to the Prestea Government Hospital. The report further stated that the mine was previously operated by FGR until its license was revoked in February last year, with a new operator assigned in late 2024. Sources indicate that illegal miners had entered the abandoned tunnels when the explosion occurred.
Although initial reports suggested up to 11 miners could have died, only four bodies have been retrieved so far, leaving the total number of casualties unknown. The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend.
