“You Spoil Water, You Want Drink Good Water”-Dr. Bissiw To Chinese Illegal Miners-VIDEO
The Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund, Dr Hannah Bissiw has strongly condemned the activities of illegal Chinese miners in Ghana, following the arrest of three Chinese nationals involved in unlawful small-scale mining, known locally as “galamsey”.
Dr. Bissiw expressed outrage that after destroying Ghana’s water bodies through reckless mining practices, the suspects now expect access to clean drinking water while in custody. “You Spoil Water, You Want Drink Good Water” the Minerals Development Fund Administrator stated, highlighting the hypocrisy of their demands.
The arrests come amid a renewed crackdown on illegal mining, which has devastated Ghana’s environment, particularly its rivers and forests. The suspects were allegedly operating without licenses, using heavy machinery, and discharging toxic chemicals into water bodies, worsening the country’s already severe water pollution crisis. The Dr.’s remarks underscore the frustration of Ghanaian authorities, who have long struggled to curb illegal mining despite repeated vows to enforce the law. “We will not allow foreigners to exploit our resources and leave our land and water poisoned,” she declared.
Environmental activists and local communities have welcomed the arrests but are calling for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties to deter future violations. The government has pledged to intensify its fight against galamsey, including targeting both foreign and local perpetrators.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hannah Bissiw’s sharp rebuke serves as a warning to illegal miners that Ghana will no longer tolerate the destruction of its natural resources for profit. The case also raises broader questions about foreign involvement in illegal mining and the need for stronger international cooperation to combat environmental crimes.
