Open pits left uncovered by illegal (galamsey) mining operators have claimed the lives of three children within three weeks at Atuntuma in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.

The children fell into the pits at the outskirts of the town while playing.

Twelve-year-old Akwasi Sofo died on January 21 this year after falling into an uncovered pit.

Three weeks later, Adwoa Owusuwaa, 12, and Maame Adwoa, 11, both died on February 16, 2014 after they also fell into galamsey pits.

Disclosing this to The Finder, Mr Osei Kwame, a Unit Committee Member, said the activities of illegal miners were taking a huge toll on the community.

He explained that five illegal small-scale companies operated in the community and mined the mineral all the way to the outskirts of the town.

According to him, open galamsey pits are dotted all over the community and its surroundings, threatening the lives of residents, especially children.

Mr Osei said all the five illegal small-scale companies deserted their operations upon hearing about the crackdown by the anti-galamsey taskforce set up by the government.

He stated that parents with young children are living in fear and panic following the death of the three children within three weeks.

Mr Osei said because the five illegal small-scale companies abandoned their operations and bolted, they could not be asked to cover the pits and reclaim the land.

He appealed to authorities to come to the aid of the community and help cover the pits to halt the needless loss of lives.

Mr. Osei also appealed to government to rehabilitate the deplorable road that leads to the community as well as provide them with a school and market.