Body of University Student Who Drowned While Attempting to Join Galamsey Recovered

A quiet community in the Eastern Region has been thrown into mourning after the lifeless body of a university student was pulled from the River Birim on Monday evening. The young man, identified as Hanson Baah, popularly known among friends as Armani, drowned on Saturday, August 16, while allegedly attempting to join a group involved in illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

The Incident That Shook Akyem Abaam

Eyewitnesses say Baah attempted to cross the swollen River Birim at Akyem Okyinso in the Kwaebibirem Municipality but was overpowered by the strong current. His sudden disappearance sent shockwaves through his hometown of Akyem Abaam, leaving family, friends, and residents in anguish.

For two days, local residents and volunteers scoured the river in a desperate search. Their efforts paid off when his body was finally retrieved around 5:00 p.m. on Monday. The remains have since been deposited at the Kade Government Hospital morgue for autopsy.

One distraught resident described the moment of recovery as heartbreaking. “We had all hoped he would be found alive, but sadly, we only found his body. The river has taken a young soul with so much promise,” he lamented.

A Growing Concern Over Illegal Mining

The tragic death has once again cast a spotlight on the dangers of illegal mining activities in Ghana, particularly in the Eastern Region. River Birim, one of the country’s vital water bodies, has long suffered the effects of galamsey, and this latest incident highlights the human toll of the menace.

While investigations continue into Baah’s drowning, authorities say efforts are being stepped up to clamp down on illegal mining in the area.

Arrests and Seizures Amid the Tragedy

In a related development, three Chinese nationals were arrested and two excavators seized in Akyem Abaam during an anti-galamsey operation over the weekend. The crackdown was spearheaded by the Kwaebibirem Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Nti, in collaboration with the Kade District Police.

Speaking after the operation, Hon. Nti emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting natural resources and safeguarding local communities from the dangers of illegal mining. “This fight is not just about protecting our rivers and lands, it’s about saving lives. What has happened to this young man is a painful reminder of why we must remain vigilant,” he said.

Community in Mourning, Authorities on Alert

The death of Hanson Baah has left Akyem Abaam deeply shaken. Friends described him as ambitious and full of energy, making his untimely demise even more devastating.

As investigations continue, community leaders are calling for stronger awareness campaigns to discourage young people from getting involved in risky and illegal ventures such as galamsey.

“This should be a turning point for our youth,” a local elder remarked. “We must find safer and more sustainable ways of creating jobs so our young men and women do not lose their lives to desperation.”

The tragic loss of a promising student has reignited conversations about the human cost of illegal mining in Ghana. While authorities intensify the fight against galamsey, communities are being urged to play their part in discouraging young people from venturing into such dangerous activities.

For now, the people of Akyem Abaam mourn their son, with hopes that his death will not be in vain but instead serve as a reminder of the urgent need to protect both lives and natural resources.

Read more: Illegal miners trapped in galamsey pit at Diaso; Search ongoing