Rescue efforts are ongoing in the Ashanti Region after an illegal gold mine collapsed, claiming at least two lives.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in Mpasatia, Atwima Mponua District, when miners searching for gold became trapped as the pit caved in.

“So far two bodies. They are two male adults. One from Mpasatia and another is an Ewe by tribe, but he is yet to be identified. There are fears many of them are trapped underground,” an official confirmed.

Emergency responders, including the police, initially arrived at the scene but later withdrew, leaving local residents to continue the rescue mission.

“The police came in, but they have since returned to base. Now we are making arrangement to speak with the National Disaster Management Organisation, NADMO, to aid rescue efforts but for now, we have taken matters into our hands,” said Salifu Karim, the Assemblyman for Mpasatia Ahembronum, in an interview with Asaase News.