Ashanti NADMO encourages stakeholders to educate rescue divers following 23 drowning deaths linked to illegal mining pits.
Alhaji Nasir Mohammed Ibrahim, the Ashanti Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), has expressed concern over the rising number of drowning deaths in abandoned illegal mining (galamsey) pits, characterising the situation as a significant humanitarian issue facing the area.
He claims that between January and June 2026, 23 people, 11 children and 12 adults, drowned in abandoned galamsey pits spread throughout 19 districts in the Ashanti Region.
In an interview, Alhaji Ibrahim discussed the catastrophe situation in the area and said that while NADMO found 19 bodies during that time, four people are still unaccounted for.
He pointed out that the region’s 23 districts still have illicit mining operations, which raises the possibility of deadly mishaps, especially during the wet season.
Thus, in order to organise, train, and equip rescue divers and emergency swimmers who can react quickly to drowning events, the Regional Director urged miners, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and other stakeholders to collaborate with NADMO.
He pleaded, “The miners and assemblies must unavoidably support NADMO to train and equip divers and rescue swimmers to curtail these fatalities in the second half of 2026 and beyond.”
Alhaji Ibrahim also emphasised the benefits of ongoing drainage desilting and clean-up operations being carried out throughout the region for public health.
He clarified that flooding frequently brings trash, faeces, and other pollutants into homes, kitchens, warehouses, and bedrooms, which exacerbates the spread of illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and malaria while also subjecting victims to psychological distress.
He claims that by enhancing stormwater flow and encouraging cleaner communities, the ongoing cleanup effort has greatly decreased these health hazards.
Additionally, he said, the exercise has increased public awareness of good sanitation and garbage disposal, encouraging locals to report or prohibit careless dumping of trash that obstructs drainage systems and causes flooding.
The NADMO Director also revealed that the organization’s headquarters, together with a number of non-governmental and faith-based groups, had been providing coordinated relief interventions to catastrophe victims in various regions of the nation, calling for stronger partnerships.
He listed organisations that are currently working with NADMO to provide relief supplies to flood victims in Accra, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Qatar Foundation, and Stanbic Bank Ghana.
In order to improve catastrophe preparedness, emergency response, and recovery efforts, Alhaji Ibrahim urged business groups, development partners, religious institutions, and philanthropists to provide the Ashanti Region with comparable assistance.
He emphasised that in order to lower the danger of disasters and safeguard people and property throughout the area, ongoing cooperation between governmental bodies, local governments, businesses, and community members is still crucial.
Source: newsthemegh.com