The Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Hannah Louisa Bisiw, has disclosed that she was once poisoned during her efforts to combat illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview on GHOne TV on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Dr Bisiw revealed that the incident occurred while she was actively involved in the fight against illegal mining activities across the country.
“Along the line, I got poisoned but by the grace of God, I survived,” she recounted.
Dr Bisiw said the experience highlights the serious risks faced by individuals working to curb illegal mining, a practice that continues to threaten the environment and water bodies in several parts of Ghana.
She also spoke about the operational challenges encountered by her team when carrying out field operations against illegal mining activities.
According to her, the situation on the ground can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when she receives updates and images from field officers.
“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.
Despite the challenges, Dr Bisiw explained that the MDF has put structures in place to strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts nationwide. While she cannot personally be present at every operational site, she noted that a coordinated system has been established to ensure continuous action against illegal miners.
“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 said.
She added that the MDF has divided its operational framework into several zones to improve coordination and effectiveness.
According to her, the structure includes Northern Zone A and Northern Zone B, as well as Middle Belt A and Middle Belt B, all overseen by coordinators working with a national coordinator to supervise activities on the ground.
Dr Bisiw emphasised that the collaboration between the central office and field teams is crucial in sustaining the fight against illegal mining.
“My guys are there and we are collaborating. We are still arresting, and they are still doing it and we are making sure that they do not take the lead,” she concluded.
