I was poisoned because of my galamsey fight – Dr Bisiw-Kotei speaks

Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Dr Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, has revealed the challenges she has faced in her fight against illegal mining (galamsey).

Speaking on GHOne on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Dr Bisiw-Kotei disclosed that she was poisoned as a result of her anti-galamsey efforts, but fortunately survived the attempt.

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“Along the line, I got poisoned but by the grace of God, I survived,” she recounted.

Dr Bisiw-Kotei also shared details about the operational challenges her team faces while tackling illegal mining activities across the country.

“When we go to the field, we know the numbers that come. On my phone, sometimes when I see pictures, I don't even want to open,” she stated.

Dr Hanna Bisiw-Kotei explained that while she cannot be physically present on the ground at all times, the MDF has put systems in place to ensure continuous monitoring and enforcement against illegal mining.

She stressed the need for collaboration between the central office and field personnel to ensure sustained pressure on galamsey operators.

“We are still working. When we came, I needed time to get to know myself so that when setting up the structures to work, then I know which structure is needed. Now we have regional zonal coordinators,” she stressed.

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“We have northern zone A, northern zone B, then we have middle belt A, middle belt B. Then we have the co-staff, and we have the coordinators. We have a national coordinator, and we are working on the ground but of course, I can't be on the field all the time as the administrator. My guys are there and we are collaborating. We are still arresting, and they [galamseyers] are still doing it and we are making sure that they do not take the lead,” she concluded.

MAG/VPO

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