The shadow of a far greater tragedy looms over Prestea-Bogoso than authorities are willing to acknowledge.
Even as Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL) reports only three deaths from last Saturday’s underground mine incident, deep-seated fears within the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality suggest the real death toll could exceed 200.
According to multiple deep-throat sources familiar with operations within the mine, the number of illegal miners—popularly called galamseyers—who were trapped in the abandoned underground levels of the Prestea-Bogoso Mine is far higher than officially declared.
The incident, which occurred at dawn on Saturday, has shaken the mining town, fuelling suspicions that the true scale of the disaster is being concealed.
Residents claim a cover-up
Sources insist that a significant number of bodies have already been removed quietly through the boundary shaft, a less conspicuous section of the mine.
These sources allege that officials of state institutions are withholding information on the full extent of the tragedy.
The sources explained that the illegal miners accessed the mine through unauthorised routes and had blocked the entry to the 8th level, where they were operating.
In the chaos that followed, they were trapped between the ladder way and heavy smoke, leaving them with no chance of survival.
Trapped since Saturday dawn
Information gathered indicates that the miners, having sealed themselves in the lower levels to avoid detection by security personnel, effectively cut off their own escape route.
When smoke from a suspected underground fire or explosion began filling the shafts, they had nowhere to run.
The possibility of more than 200 people trapped underground has thrown the community into turmoil.
Official statement from Heath Goldfields Limited
Heath Goldfields Limited—the company currently operating the mine, which itself is under dispute with Blue Gold—issued a statement confirming only three deaths.
According to the company, the victims were illegal miners who had used unauthorised routes to access a restricted and inactive section of the underground concession.
The company said the group became trapped while working in the sealed-off area.
HGL expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and the wider Prestea community.
“Every loss of life, regardless of circumstances, is painful, and we stand with the affected families in grief and sympathy,” the statement read.
The company commended the Ghana Police Service, the Minerals Commission, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for their swift and professional response.
Commitment to full cooperation
HGL added that it is cooperating fully with relevant authorities in the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.
It emphasised its commitment to adhering to the highest safety standards.
“As a responsible mining company, HGL remains committed to the highest standards of safety and the protection of human life. We will continue to implement stringent security and safety protocols across all our concessions,” the statement said.
The company also assured its stakeholders—including traditional leaders, community members, regulators, and business partners—of its unwavering dedication to responsible mining and the safeguarding of livelihoods.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families who have lost loved ones. Our community relations team is engaging local leaders to provide support to affected families and keep the community informed,” it added.
Community in shock, questions unanswered
Despite the official narrative, unease continues to grow in Prestea.
The fear within the community is that the tragedy is far worse than reported, and that the full truth—whatever it is—may never be told.
