Atiwa East DCE’s Contempt Jail Term Commuted to GH¢12,000 Fine

The Koforidua High Court 2 has fined the Atiwa East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Ernest Ntim, GH¢12,000 after finding him in contempt of court over his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities on protected land in the Eastern Region.

The fine follows an earlier ruling that sentenced Mr. Ntim to eight days in prison, a decision the court later reviewed and varied on Monday, December 15, after considering submissions made by his legal team.

In its judgment, the court held that Mr. Ntim and members of his team were responsible for significant environmental destruction, including the devastation of farmlands, the pollution of the Koben River, and the contamination of a major water source serving several communities.

The court found that the illegal mining activities caused extensive environmental damage and threatened the livelihoods of residents within the district.

Mr. Ntim was cited for contempt after he allegedly continued engaging in galamsey operations despite an injunction application pending before the court.

The court emphasized that the decision to commute the custodial sentence to a fine did not downplay the gravity of the offence, stressing that the ruling serves as a strong warning against illegal mining and environmental degradation—particularly when public officials are implicated.