KNUST student dies in galamsey pit

Patrick Mensah, a final-year BSc Agriculture student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has lost his life in a galamsey pit in Manso, Ashanti Region. Patrick’s death comes just three days after he completed his four-year academic program.

The incident occurred when Patrick and his friends, who had recently returned from school, visited an illegal mining site in Manso.

The tragedy unfolded when one of Patrick’s friends fell into a deep mining pit. In a selfless act of bravery, Patrick rushed to the scene to help but lost his balance and fell into the pit himself.

Despite valiant rescue efforts, the hazardous conditions of the mine pit rendered the attempts futile, and Patrick could not be saved. His body was later recovered, leaving a profound sense of loss among family and friends.

Patrick had completed his final year examinations on August 23, 2024, and was awaiting his project defense.

He had returned to Manso to visit his parents, where the unfortunate incident occurred. The Ghana Police Service has yet to initiate an investigation into the circumstances of his death, leaving many questions unanswered about the safety of such illegal mining sites.