Amid the persistent concerns regarding illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana, a related issue has emerged that warrants immediate and serious attention.

A chief from Trabuom Nwineso No. 1 in the Atwima Kwanwoma District, Ashanti Region, has raised alarm over a horrifying practice linked to galamsey operations.

He claims that illegal miners are engaging in child sacrifice as part of ritual activities before commencing their work.

Speaking to Okaatakyie Afrifa Mensah on AngelFM, the chief revealed that over seven children have allegedly been sacrificed for these rituals, a matter that has been brought to his notice.

“More than seven children have been sacrificed for galamsey. All these cases have been reported to me,” he stated, adding that he has evidence to support these claims.

In March 2023, a former illegal miner revealed a similarly disturbing practice, describing how galamsey operators sacrifice newborns in mining pits as part of rituals meant to help them find gold and other minerals.

During an interview on the same media platform, the retired miner shared that some galamseyers in Obuasi purchase infants from hospitals, spilling their blood underground to summon the earth’s resources.

In addition to sacrificing newborns, he claimed that miners sometimes collaborate to sacrifice one of their own to uncover gold deposits.

At the same time, the Assemblyman for Nwineso No. 1 raised alarms about people falling into abandoned galamsey pits and disappearing, while others have drowned in water-filled pits left unsealed.

He stated, “We are urging the government to help us cover these pits to prevent such incidents.”