The Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Dr Hannah Louisa Bissiw, has recounted a terrifying ordeal during a field operation at an illegal mining site in Bui Sobinso, which resulted in the arrest of 24 suspects, including 14 Chinese nationals and 10 Ghanaians.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, ordered a sweeping raid on an illegal mining site at Bui Sobinso, resulting in the arrest of 24 individuals, including 14 Chinese nationals and 10 Ghanaians.

The operation, led by a high-powered police team consisting of six senior officers and 130 personnel, marks a significant step in the fight against illegal mining activities threatening Ghana’s natural reserves.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse Show, Dr Bissiw described the incident as a “hostage-style” ambush by a group suspected to be linked to the illegal mining network.

According to her, the team, which included journalists, came under gunfire and had their vehicles attacked with machetes, with armed individuals attempting to prevent the arrest and transfer of the Chinese suspects.

“Even in the village, we had this group coming and besieging the place – basically holding us hostage. Gunshots were everywhere, and they wouldn’t allow us to go with the Chinese,” Dr Bissiw said. “They were hitting the vehicles with machetes… it was a life-and-death situation.”

After a tense struggle, the team managed to reach the Nyinahin Police Station.

However, Dr Bissiw alleged that police officers at the station attempted to redirect them, pressuring the team to release the arrested Chinese nationals.

“That’s when I really got upset. After all we’d been through in the village, I told the police commander that we weren’t leaving even a pin behind,” she stated. “It happened in your jurisdiction, and it’s just around the corner.”

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