The number of illegal miners trapped in collapsed pit at Nsuta in the Western region has shot up to 17 from the original number of 14 that was earlier reported.
This was confirmed by one of the miners who managed to make his way out before the pit collapsed on his colleagues whom he said numbered 17.
Almost 48 hours after the incident occurred, no rescues have been made and the situation is getting gloomier as the hours tick away.
Some of the miners who spoke to 3news.com said the pit is as deep as the length of 8 electric poles joined at the tip which has made rescue efforts more difficult.
Excavators have been digging since Sunday July 2 when the incident occurred but not much impact has been made.
Pit collapse is normal
Information gathered by 3news.com from the town folk indicates pits collapsing and trapping miners is not new to them but this is has gained such national attention because of the number of miners trapped.
They indicated that if it were lesser, maybe five, seven or ten persons, they would have undertaken the rescue efforts themselves without people hearing about it.
Police declare pit owner wanted
Meanwhile the Western regional police have deployed personnel to the area to give security and assistance in the rescue efforts.
They have also declared owner of the collapsed mine, one Kojo Baah wanted. He is currently on the run following the news.
Minister expected in the area
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu Bio is expected at Nsuta, the township where the disaster occurred to ascertain the probable cause of the collapse, commiserate with the families of the bereaved and report to government on the development.
By Martin Asiedu-Dartey|3news.com|Ghana
Twitter: @NewsonTV3
Benito Owusu bio – deputy minister