Illegal miner found dead in suspected suicide at Ahafo Mim

An illegal miner identified only as A.T. has allegedly died by suicide at Ahafo Mim in the Asunafo North Municipality of the Ahafo Region.

His body was discovered hanging in a bathroom at about 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, after his sister returned home from the farm.

He was found wearing only boxer shorts, with a rope tied around his neck and fastened to the roof of the room.

The Assembly Member's Committee Chairman for the area, Hon. Felix Owusu, said residents were shocked by the incident, which has sparked widespread speculation within the community.

According to him, the deceased's sister raised the alarm after making the discovery, prompting police officers to visit the scene.

The body was later conveyed by the Mim Divisional Police to the Mim Government Hospital mortuary for preservation and further examination.

Hon. Owusu told Otec News that reports circulating within the community alleged that the deceased and some of his colleagues had sought the services of an unidentified fetish priest in an attempt to enhance their gold prospecting activities.

"The information going around is that A.T. and his friends consulted a fetish priest to help them find more gold. The priest allegedly told them that one of them would have to be sacrificed for the rituals to succeed, and they reportedly agreed," he said.

He further claimed that, a few days after the alleged consultation, A.T.'s behaviour changed noticeably, raising concern among family members and residents.

"People in the community started saying he was behaving strangely and appeared to have developed mental health problems. At times, he even threatened to kill his own mother," Hon. Owusu stated, adding that the developments had left many residents unsettled.

The Mim Divisional Police have since commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Authorities are yet to establish whether the reported ritual claims have any connection to the incident, and residents have been urged to remain calm.

The incident has sparked concern in Ahafo Mim, with community leaders urging residents to avoid illegal mining activities and to be wary of individuals who exploit beliefs in occult practices.