A mysterious hole that appeared in Tarkwa Market has left residents and traders in a state of confusion and terror. The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) blamed the phenomenon on underground mining operations being carried out in the area.
Abrupt Event at the Market
The incident was observed when traders noticed the ground caving in a section of the Tarkwa Market. The abrupt emergence of the hole sent market women and shoppers fleeing for their lives for fear of additional collapses.
NADMO's Initial Assessment
NADMO officials who visited the scene reported that preliminary investigations point to underground mining operations as the likely cause. According to them, continued drilling beneath residential and commercial hubs in Tarkwa has weakened the soil structure, making it prone to sudden cave-ins.
"We suspect the abnormal hole is due to underground mining. Our engineers are working with other agencies to conduct a full assessment," an official of NADMO confirmed.
Traders and Residents Live in Fear
The incident has caused serious safety issues because most of the traders survive on the market. Some have called for the authorities to relocate them immediately until the ground is declared safe. The residents of the nearby locations also live in fear that such occurrences could take place at their homes and shops.
Demand for Regulation of Mining Activities
The accident has reawakened calls for stricter regulation of mining activities in Tarkwa, a hub for Ghana's gold production. Civil society groups and thought leaders have warned that uncontrolled underground mining poses a danger to human life and infrastructure in the long run.
Next Steps
NADMO, in liaison with the Minerals Commission and other stakeholders, is to carry out a detailed geological survey to determine the extent of the underground threat and recommend safety interventions for the market.
The Tarkwa Market mysterious hole depicts the danger of underground mining in urban areas. The public has been assured by authorities that the issue is being investigated and appropriate safety interventions will be implemented to protect lives and property.