Seven people have died and 17 others remain trapped after a mining pit collapsed in Ghana’s Birim North district of the Eastern Region.

Only two of the trapped miners were rescued alive on Monday at the Korle Teye Takorso site, according to the local media.

Local miners, who are leading the rescue mission, reportedly prevented journalists from taking photographs of the incident and chased them away.

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Authorities are yet to comment on the incident.

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Heavy rains recorded in most parts of the country are suspected to have caused the pit to collapse.

Illegal mining in Ghana, commonly known as galamsey, has continued despite intensified crackdown by the government.