Manso Fawotrikye, a community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, has been gripped by fear and uncertainty following the mysterious death of a 29-year-old Nigerian miner, Baba Jedi. The deceased's body was discovered on Friday, February 6, 2026, in a water body near an illegal mining site, raising serious concerns about safety and lawlessness in galamsey-prone areas.
Baba Jedi had reportedly gone missing earlier in the week after completing his work at the illegal mining site. According to the site master, Tahiru, the deceased had informed him of his departure from the site after the day's activities. However, conflicting accounts have emerged. Another worker disclosed to investigators that Baba Jedi was last seen being picked up on a motorcycle by the site master, after which he was not seen alive again.
The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death have prompted swift action from law enforcement authorities. The Manso Adubia Police Command has apprehended the site master and another co-worker to assist with investigations. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the events that led to the miner's untimely demise.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the perilous and unregulated nature of illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, particularly in parts of the Ashanti Region. Beyond the environmental destruction and contamination of water bodies caused by these operations, galamsey sites have increasingly become hubs for criminal activity, violence, and unexplained fatalities. Foreign nationals operating in these remote and often dangerous areas are particularly vulnerable.
Residents of Manso Fawotrikye have expressed deep concern over the incident, with many calling for decisive action to combat illegal mining and restore order to their community. They argue that while successive governments have made commitments to clamp down on galamsey operations, enforcement remains weak, allowing such activities to persist with devastating consequences.
The local police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all individuals found culpable will face justice in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, the body of Baba Jedi has been preserved for further examination as part of the investigation.
The tragic death of Baba Jedi serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for stronger measures to address the dangers associated with galamsey operations. Residents and authorities alike hope this incident will galvanize efforts to bring lasting solutions to the challenges posed by illegal mining in Ghana.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
