ACCRA An illegal mine collapsed in Ghana, killing at least 18 people, a police official said Thursday, calling it the worst ever mining disaster in a country that is one of the worlds largest gold producers.

Some 30 miners were working in the privately-owned gold mine in Dompoase town in the countrys west before it caved in and more bodies were likely to be recovered, said Western Region police commander Kojo Antwi Tabi.

The victims included 14 women.

'This is the biggest mining tragedy that has ever hit Ghana,' Tabi said.

'The government must take measures to control the activities of miners.'

Two people were buried alive last month when the gold mine in which they were working in Damang town, in the same region, caved in.

Ghana is the worlds second largest producer of gold, and it accounts for most of the nations foreign exchange earnings.

Government attempts in past years to curb illegal or unlicensed mining have failed.