Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund, Dr Hanna Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, has revealed that her decision to remain in Ghana after her studies in Cuba was greatly influenced by former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings.
Speaking on the Upside Down Show on Channel One TV on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Dr Bissiw-Kotei recounted how she returned to Ghana in 2001 after completing her studies in 1999 but struggled to settle due to what she described as a hostile political atmosphere.
She explained that her frustrations stemmed from the constant criticisms against the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, whom she admired for transforming the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
“I graduated in 1999, and I came home in 2001. I didn’t want to come back, but I did. At that time, I was considering leaving again because I loved President Rawlings so much, and I knew where the country was before he came in. I experienced the hardship; I saw the hunger, the drought, and the struggles families went through,” she said.
Dr Bissiw-Kotei recalled that a visit to the Rawlings household with her mother became a turning point in her decision-making.
“My mummy and I visited, and after eating fufu together, we went to greet Mrs Rawlings. Despite being out of office and facing criticism, she encouraged me to stay. She told me if I left the country, I would pay for the food,” she narrated, adding that her mother constantly reminded her of those words.
According to her, those encounters with Nana Konadu strengthened her resolve to remain in Ghana and dedicate herself to national development, despite the challenges of the time.
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