MDF demands strict enforcement in mining sector after deadly pit tragedies
The Minerals Development Fund (MDF) has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the mining sector to enforce compliance and prevent further tragedies in mining communities.
In a statement issued on March 4, 2026, and signed by its Administrator, Dr Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, the Fund said strict enforcement of mining regulations was essential to safeguarding communities and addressing the growing dangers posed by abandoned mining pits.
The statement followed two fatal incidents linked to illegal mining activities in which several people lost their lives.
The MDF reiterated its mandate to address the adverse effects of mining and support the development of communities affected by resource extraction.
“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.
“We are committed to collaborating with regulatory bodies and security agencies to ensure accountability in line with the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP); to promoting sustainable mining practices and responsible resource extraction.
“Expanding real alternative livelihood programmes to reduce reliance on illegal mining; and intensifying community education on mining safety and environmental stewardship,” the statement said.
Push for accountability
The Fund also called for the urgent enforcement of the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP), an environmental governance standard which requires individuals or entities responsible for environmental degradation to bear the cost of restoring damaged land.
According to the MDF, strict enforcement of the principle would help promote responsible mining practices, discourage illegal mining activities and strengthen public awareness on environmental protection and mining safety.
It further stressed the need to establish effective mechanisms to hold accountable individuals engaged in illegal mining who abandon hazardous pits after extracting minerals.
“It is unacceptable for communities to continue to suffer loss of life and environmental destruction due to negligence and disregard for human safety,” the statement said.
The Fund indicated that it would continue to collaborate with relevant institutions and partners to ensure that affected communities receive the necessary support to prevent similar tragedies.
Condolence over fatalities
The MDF also expressed condolences to families who lost relatives in recent illegal mining-related incidents.
The first incident occurred at Wassa Dunkwa in the Amenfi West Municipality, where a 42-year-old woman and her three sons reportedly drowned in an abandoned illegal mining pit.
A second tragedy occurred at Atta Ne Atta in the Asutifi South District when a mining pit collapsed, killing nine people and leaving several others injured.
“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,” the statement added.
