Galamsey: Atiwa East DCE Denies Jail Reports, Appeals Contempt Ruling

The Atiwa East District Chief Executive (DCE), Ernest Ntim, has filed an appeal against a contempt ruling by the Koforidua High Court 2, following his conviction over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities on protected land in the Eastern Region.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, December 15, Mr. Ntim confirmed that his legal team has formally applied to appeal the ruling, describing the decision as one he intends to challenge until all evidence is fully examined in open court.

Mr. Ntim clarified that the court did not impose a custodial sentence, contrary to media reports suggesting he had been jailed. He explained that the court fined him and three others, with the cost shared among the four individuals.

“I was asked to pay a fine, and we immediately applied for an appeal. I was only fined. The GTV station that published the jail story was not in court,” he said.

The DCE said his appeal will focus on evidence allegedly linking him directly to the illegal mining site, particularly a video he claims has not been publicly played or properly scrutinised. He maintained that he was unfairly implicated and accused unnamed individuals of orchestrating the case against him.

Mr. Ntim further disclosed that since his swearing-in, he has briefed senior government officials on what he described as coordinated attempts to undermine him. He expressed confidence that President John Dramani Mahama would not take any administrative action against him without first hearing his side of the story.

“I will follow up on this case until the video they claim shows me on the land is played for everyone to see. I do not think the President will act on calls for my removal without first listening to my side,” he added.

The Koforidua High Court 2 found Ernest Ntim in contempt and fined him GH¢15,000 for allegedly continuing illegal mining activities despite an injunction application pending before the court.

The court held that Mr. Ntim and members of his team were responsible for significant environmental degradation, including damage to farmlands and pollution of the Koben River, a vital water source for several communities in the district.