By Enyichukwu Enemanna
At least seven workers have been killed in an illegal mining pit in Ghana’s Birim North district of the Eastern Region.
They lost their lives when the pit in which they were working caved in on them on Monday.
According to reports, out of 9 persons who were rescued from the debris after the collapse, 7 have been confirmed dead, leaving 2 alive.
It is unclear what caused the collapse of the pit, but locals said the heavy rainfall recorded in most parts of the country on Monday may be partly responsible.
Journalists were barred from covering the incident by local miners leading the rescue missions.
Reporters were prevented from taking photographs of the incident and government is yet to make an official statement.
Despite a crackdown, the gold-rich country has continued to record incidents of illegal mining, like most parts of West Africa.
Last month, 17 miners were killed when an illegal mining pit caved in.