Hanna Bissiw Rejects Calls for Dismissal, Denies Supporting Ablekuma North Violence
Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund and National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed the Minority in Parliament’s demand for her removal as “the biggest joke of the day.”
The call follows her remarks about the violence during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on July 11, 2025, where former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson was reportedly assaulted at St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station.
Speaking on Citi FM on July 16, 2025, Bissiw-Kotei rejected accusations of insensitivity, denying any endorsement of violence and asserting that her comments were misinterpreted.
She stated, “I condemn all forms of violence,” but refused to express sympathy for Koomson, citing her own experience as a victim of political violence allegedly orchestrated by Koomson during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.
“She brought about 30 thugs to attack me; I was beaten,” Bissiw recounted, adding, “Nobody can force me to sympathize with Hawa Koomson. I am not a hypocrite.”
The Minority had also demanded the dismissal of Malik Basintale, Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, for his remarks, including a social media post joking about the incident. They argued that both officials’ statements undermine Ghana’s democratic governance and their roles in promoting youth and women’s empowerment.
Bissiw-Kotei maintained that she and Basintale remain committed to their mandates, urging focus on their work rather than the controversy.
The Ablekuma North rerun, held to address irregularities from the 2024 elections, saw the NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn secure victory, contributing to the NDC’s two-thirds parliamentary majority.
