Death on Kyebi Hillside Raises Fresh Concerns Over Illegal Mining

By Charles Agyarkwa, A Rocha Ghana – Kyebi Office

A fatal accident linked to illegal mining has renewed concerns over the growing environmental destruction and safety risks posed by galamsey activities in Kyebi in the Eastern Region.

The incident occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2026, when an illegal miner reportedly died after becoming trapped in a mining pit on a hillside behind the property of environmental NGO A Rocha Ghana in Kyebi. The body was later retrieved with the use of an excavator following the nighttime operation.

According to eyewitness accounts, the miner became trapped in the pit at about 10:00 p.m. during an illegal mining activity taking place just metres from the organisation’s local office. The tragedy has done little to halt the mining operations, which residents say continue openly on the hillsides surrounding the town.

For years, the once forested hills around Kyebi have been heavily degraded by illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. The activities have stripped large portions of the landscape bare, leaving behind deep pits and unstable slopes that pose serious environmental and safety hazards.

Residents say the operations often occur in plain sight, raising questions about enforcement and the ability of authorities to curb the growing problem.

Pattern of Illegal Activity
The latest fatality occurred close to the Kyebi office of A Rocha Ghana, which has been actively campaigning against illegal mining and environmental degradation in the area.

The organisation says the miners had previously encroached on its land and destroyed several boundary pillars. In 2024, the matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest and prosecution of some individuals. However, according to the organisation, the mining activities soon resumed after the legal action.

Since then, excavators have reportedly returned to the area, digging dangerously close to the NGO’s property and leaving behind steep and unstable excavated slopes.
Despite several complaints and attempts to seek legal remedies, the organisation says illegal mining on the hills behind its office has continued largely unchecked.

Environmental Impact
Environmental advocates warn that the continued destruction of the hillsides around Kyebi threatens an important ecological landscape.

The hills and forests in the area play a key role in supporting biodiversity, protecting water sources, and sustaining local livelihoods. The ongoing mining activities, however, are steadily eroding these natural systems while increasing the risk of accidents and land degradation.

Calls for Immediate Action
Following the March 7 incident, A Rocha Ghana has called for urgent and coordinated action by security agencies and local authorities to address the situation.

The organisation is demanding the immediate suspension of all illegal mining operations on the Kyebi hills and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the miner’s death. It is also urging authorities to strictly enforce mining and environmental laws against individuals and groups involved in facilitating illegal mining activities in the area.

Environmental groups say without decisive action, the continued silence and inaction could lead to more tragedies while further degrading one of the region’s most important natural landscapes.