The Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, has responded to criticisms that have greeted her actions in a viral video of her at an illegal mining site, insisting she will not back down in the fight against galamsey.
The viral footage showed Dr. Bissiw-Kotei at a galamsey site, flanked by officers from the Ghana Police Service and members of the media, confronting alleged illegal miners as part of efforts to clamp down on environmental degradation.
This has sparked both praise and criticism online, with some describing her approach as theatrical, questioning the intent and impact of her public display.
But in an interview with Johnnie Hughes on 3FM’s Morning Show- Sunrise, the MDF Administrator hit back, describing her critics as “dramatic people” who are failing to appreciate the urgency and seriousness of the fight against illegal mining.
“I think they are the dramatic people. And they can say whatever they want, but if it takes drama to stop galamsey, then that drama will continue. And if that is what it will take for our lands and water bodies to be free, then I’ll continue. I’ll continue to do it for God and country.” Dr. Bissiw-Kotei said on June 30.
She further emphasised that her commitment to protecting Ghana’s mining communities will not be shaken by insults, threats, or propaganda.
“No amount of insults, threats, or propaganda will pull us back. We will continue to work and serve the communities as mandated by law to redress the negative impact affecting them,” she asserted.
Dr. Bissiw-Kotei also vowed that illegal miners and those complicit in environmental destruction will be held accountable.
“My end game is to ensure that they pay dearly for every damage they have caused the environment, communities, and the people,” she added.
The MDF Administrator’s comments come amid renewed efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities that have severely impacted water bodies, forest reserves, and farming communities across Ghana.
Her bold statements add to the national conversation around the effectiveness, political will, and integrity of the state’s anti-galamsey campaign, a battle many believe is far from over.
