Hannah Bissiw recounts ‘hostage-style’ attack following illegal mining raid at Bui Sobinso

Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw, the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), shared a frightening experience. This occurred during a field operation at an illegal mining site in Bui Sobinso. The operation led to the arrest of 24 suspects, including 14 Chinese nationals and 10 Ghanaians.

The Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, ordered this raid. A team of six senior officers and 130 personnel conducted it. This operation is a significant step against illegal mining in Ghana.

On JoyNews’ The Pulse Show, Dr. Bissiw described the incident as a “hostage-style” ambush. She believes the attackers are linked to the illegal mining network. Her team, which included journalists, faced gunfire during the operation.

Armed individuals attacked their vehicles with machetes. They tried to stop the arrest and transfer of the Chinese suspects. Dr. Bissiw said they were essentially held hostage in the village.

“Gunshots were everywhere,” she recalled. “They wouldn’t let us leave with the Chinese.” She described it as a life-and-death situation.

After a tense struggle, they reached Nyinahin Police Station safely. However, Dr. Bissiw alleged that police officers there pressured them to release the arrested suspects.

“That’s when I really got upset,” she said about their treatment at the station. “We weren’t leaving even a pin behind.” She emphasized that it happened in their jurisdiction and was very close by.