The Minerals Development Fund (MDF), has received with profound sorrow reports of two tragic incidents that occurred over the weekend in some mining communities in Ghana.
The first incident, which took place at Wassa Dunkwa in the Amenfi West Municipality, involved the heart-breaking loss of a 42-year-old woman and her three sons, who drowned in an abandoned illegal mining pit. The second incident occurred at Atta Ne Atta in the Asutifi South District, where a mining pit collapse claimed the lives of nine individuals, with others sustaining injuries.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of the MDF, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the affected communities. We share in your grief and stand in solidarity with you in this time of immense loss.
These tragic occurrences once again highlight the grave dangers posed by illegal mining activities, particularly abandoned and unprotected pits that continue to threaten lives across our mining communities. We also reinforce the urgent need to fully enforce the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) a fundamental, environmental and governance standard which requires that individuals and entities responsible for environmental degradation must bear the cost of reclamation and restoration of lands.
The MDF strongly reiterates that those who engage in illegal mining and leave behind hazardous pits must be held accountable for reclamation and remediation. It is unacceptable for communities to continue to suffer loss of life and environmental destruction due to negligence and disregard for human safety.
As the institution mandated to redress, the negative impact of mining in mining communities and support the development and well-being of mining communities, the MDF remains resolute in its commitment to:
- Supporting land restoration and covering of abandoned mining pits.
- Collaborating with regulatory bodies and security agencies to ensure accountability in line with the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP).
- Promoting sustainable mining practices and responsible resource extraction.
- Expanding real alternative livelihood programmes to reduce reliance on illegal mining.
- Intensifying community education on mining safety and environmental stewardship.
The MDF calls on all stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, mining companies and community members to work collectively to enforce compliance in order to safeguard our communities and prevent further tragedies.
The MDF will continue to engage relevant partners to ensure that affected communities receive the necessary support.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to all families affected.
Signed
Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei
Administrator,
Minerals Development Fund (MDF)
