A young Ghanaian woman has shared a heartbreaking story of daily sexual abuse while living in a galamsey (illegal mining) community.
Her story, shared with Pulse Ghana, shows the terrible human suffering that happens in these lawless and poor areas.
The woman, who is not named for her safety, said she was tricked into coming to the galamsey camp with the promise of a job. But when she got there, she was forced into sex work.
“I had to sleep with seven to ten men every day. That’s what they told me to do if I wanted to eat and survive,” she said.
The camp, hidden behind illegal mining activities, was also used for human trafficking, especially forced prostitution. Her painful story shows how women and children are being used and abused in the gold mining areas.
She described her daily fear, saying any time she tried to run away, she was beaten and threatened.
“You don’t have a voice there. The moment you try to say no or resist, they beat you,” she said with tears.
Activists and human rights groups are now speaking out, asking the government and international bodies to take urgent action. They say the fight against illegal mining should also focus on rescuing and helping people being abused in these camps.
“This is not just about the environment — it’s about people’s lives. Women and girls are being hurt in these camps,” said a spokesperson from a local group helping victims escape galamsey areas.
Although the government has been working to stop illegal mining, stories like this show another side of the problem — the human cost. Human rights defenders say more must be done, including counseling, support, and justice for the victims.
The young woman is now in a safe place, getting counseling and care from social workers. Her brave story is a call to action — to fight not only against illegal mining, but also the abuse of women and children hiding behind it.
