Dr. Hanna Bissiw-Kotei, Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), has reaffirmed her commitment to combating illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, despite receiving threats against her life and her family.
Speaking during a community engagement event at Atatam in the Adansi Asokwa District of the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bissiw-Kotei detailed the intimidation tactics used by those opposing her efforts.
“People go to the internet and pull my pictures and that of my husband, send them to my inbox with all kinds of messages,” she revealed.
Undeterred, Dr. Bissiw-Kotei dismissed the threats as acts of cowardice, stating, “It is only a coward who threatens. If I want to slap you, I will not be warning you.”
Since assuming her role, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Women’s Organizer has been at the forefront of efforts to address illegal mining’s detrimental effects on mining communities. She highlighted the persistent dangers of galamsey, likening it to a relentless pursuit for some individuals despite the inherent risks.
“People engage in armed robbery and they die. They are sometimes arrested, and when released, they continue, even though they know it’s dangerous. They die for the cause,” she noted.
Dr. Bissiw-Kotei remains resolute in her mission, emphasizing her readiness to sacrifice for the cause.
“If you threaten me for a good cause and I sit back, then I stop being a patriot. It is the motherland or death, we win, till the last drop of blood,” she declared.
Illegal mining continues to pose significant environmental and social challenges in Ghana, and the MDF’s proactive stance under Dr. Bissiw-Kotei’s leadership aims to restore balance to affected communities. Her resolve sends a strong message to those opposing the fight: the battle against galamsey will not be deterred.
