Ken Ashigbey backs Dr Hanna Bisiw-Kotei's effort in galamsey fight

The CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Ken Ashigbey, has voiced his strong support for Dr Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei's recent actions in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking on TV3’s New Day on Monday, June 30, 2025, Ashigbey underscored the importance of every effort, no matter how minor, in tackling the pervasive issue of galamsey.

“Whatever effort anybody makes in the fight against galamsey is better than doing nothing,” he asserted.

Ashigbey expressed concern regarding criticisms leveled against Dr Bisiw-Kotei's interventions, dismissing such reactions as unconstructive.

“I disagree completely with anybody who says that what Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw-Kotei is doing is not going to help. What are you doing?” he questioned, challenging those who discredit her work.

He further revealed that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has established the National Anti-Mining and Oversight Secretariat (NAMOS).

This new body is tasked with coordinating various anti-galamsey initiatives to enhance efficiency and accountability.

“The effort that is coming from Dr Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei will also be coordinated at a central location,” he explained, indicating a harmonised approach to the anti-galamsey campaign.

Ashigbey called for a unified front, urging all stakeholders, including political leaders, security agencies, and civil society organisations, to lend their support to the ongoing initiatives.

“If all of us support the effort of the minister, support the effort of the IGP, and ensure that we close the noose around politically-exposed persons and campaigners involved in galamsey, we will be able to deal effectively with the threat,” he concluded, emphasising the need for collective action to combat the menace.

AS/VPO

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