In addition to the outcry against galamsey activities in the country, there seems to be an alarming related practice that equally needs attention.
One of the chiefs of Trabuom Nwineso No. 1, in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti region, has expressed concern over the disturbing trend of galamseyers sacrificing children for rituals before beginning their work.
In a discussion with Okaatakyie Afrifa Mensah on AngelFM, he alleged that more than seven children have been sacrificed for galamsey, and the issue has been brought to his attention.
“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.
He, however, mentioned that measures are being taken to address the situation: “I’ve got evidence to that effect. People have been sent out to search for such individuals.
Earlier in March 2023, a retired galamseyer disclosed similar situation, discussing how illegal miners sacrifice newborn babies in mining pits as part of rituals intended to help them locate gold and other minerals.
In an interview on the same platform, he disclosed that some illegal miners in Obuasi usually purchase fresh babies from hospitals and spill their blood underground to invoke the earth's resources.
In addition to the sacrificial rituals involving babies, he also said that miners sometimes gang up to sacrifice one of their own to uncover gold.
Meanwhile, the Assemblyman of Nwineso No. 1 has raised concerns about people falling into unsealed galamsey pits and disappearing, while others have drowned in the water collected in these pits.
He stated, “We are urging the government to help us cover these pits to prevent such incidents.”
Watch the video below:
EB/OGB