The Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Dr Hanna Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, has responded to individuals who described her anti-galamsey (illegal mining) fight as merely content for social media, calling their commentary unfortunate and unpatriotic.
Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, she emphasised that illegal mining activities remain a threat to our environment, water bodies, and human life. Therefore, she stated, all efforts would be employed to deal with this menace.
She described the activities of illegal miners as terrifying, especially considering the sophisticated machinery and weapons they wield in their operations.
Dr Bissiw-Kotei asserted that it makes no sense for anyone to associate her ongoing fight against illegal mining with a “content agenda”, given the inherent risks involved.
She recounted the terrifying experience she, her team, and journalists endured during a recent operation at an illegal mining site in Bui Sobinso. This operation resulted in the arrest of 24 suspects, including Chinese nationals.
The administrator noted that during the operation, she became particularly worried because the journalists who had been invited to join the exercise were also threatened.
She admitted that the ongoing operations against illegal mining are dangerous. “I know the dangers,” she stated, “but just like our forefathers sacrificed in fighting for the stability of the country, I want to do the same. Going after these illegal miners is dangerous, but I know God is by my side, and I will not give up the fight.”
Addressing the “content creation” commentary directly, she questioned, “Of all the areas that I can use to create content, why would I endanger my life and enter illegal mining sites where the operators are using guns and other offensive weapons? In this line of work, there’s a higher possibility that you can get trapped in some of the covered holes, so why would I use this to create content? The operation is dangerous, but I am doing this for God and country.”
Meanwhile, she has issued a strong warning to those who have planned to bribe her, urging them to rescind their decision, or she would use them as scapegoats.
She stressed, “I will not give up. I was appointed by the president to do this job, and so I will not disappoint him. With God on my side, I will sacrifice and live and die for a good cause.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
