Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), has voiced profound concern following the alarming disappearance of 33 excavators. These heavy machines were placed under police custody after being seized during a critical anti-galamsey operation, targeting illegal mining activities. A total of 40 excavators were initially handed over to the police for safekeeping due to the immediate unavailability of lowbed vehicles, which are essential for transporting such large equipment away from the remote galamsey sites.

In a revealing interview on Adom FM, Dr. Bissiw-Kotei, who also holds the position of National Women’s Organiser for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), disclosed the shocking details of the incident. She recounted that upon her team's return the very next morning to retrieve the equipment, a mere seven of the original 40 excavators remained at the police holding area. Expressing her deep dissatisfaction and concern over the significant loss, she promptly engaged the Police Commander to address the serious security lapse. The remaining seven excavators that were successfully recovered are currently being securely held, pending further developments.

This unsettling experience, marked by the mysterious disappearance of valuable assets, fundamentally reshaped Dr. Bissiw-Kotei’s operational strategy for subsequent anti-galamsey missions. Illustrating this new approach, she described a later operation conducted at Atetem. During this mission, she ensured a more robust and multidisciplinary team was deployed, including specialized engineers, accompanied by both uniformed and plainclothes police and military personnel. Acknowledging the inherent dangers of such operations, particularly after a previous ambush where her team reportedly came under fire, Dr. Bissiw-Kotei took the personal precaution of wearing body armor. The engineers played a pivotal role in this refined strategy, specifically tasked with overcoming technical challenges: they successfully disarmed and removed excavators that had been fitted with trackers designed to prevent their movement from the galamsey sites.

Since assuming her leadership role at the Minerals Development Fund, Dr. Bissiw-Kotei has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment and firm stance in defending the interests and well-being of mining communities. The MDF itself has become increasingly vocal and concerned about the widespread proliferation and destructive impact of illegal mining activities across the country. This proactive approach by the Fund has, unfortunately, attracted threats from various individuals and syndicates who are illicitly profiting from these unregulated galamsey operations. Despite these challenges and the inherent risks, the focus remains steadfast on combating illegal mining and protecting national resources.