Atiwa East DCE Fined GH₵12,000 for Galamsey Contempt

The Koforidua High Court 2 has fined the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Atiwa East in the Eastern Region, Ernest Ntim, GH₵12,000 for contempt of court. The ruling stems from an ongoing dispute over illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey’, on a contested parcel of land.

The contempt application was initially filed in May 2025 by a miner who accused the DCE of flouting a court order. The miner alleged that despite a restraining order preventing both parties from accessing the land, Mr. Ntim entered the property.

The original injunction application aimed to halt any activity on the land, including grading, soil removal, digging, and all forms of mining. It sought to preserve the status quo while the substantive case was heard.

According to court documents, the applicant claims the DCE, along with his brothers and associates described as illegal miners, continued galamsey operations even after the injunction was granted. On May 2, 2025, one of the DCE’s brothers reportedly stated at the site that, “his brother (now DCE) had been nominated for the position of DCE for Atiwa East, and on his confirmation, no one, not even the courts could interfere with their activities, and further that even judges will become the subordinates of the DCE.”

The applicant’s affidavit argued that the DCE’s actions were a deliberate attempt to undermine the court’s authority and obstruct justice. A complaint was lodged with the Eastern South Regional Police Command in Kyebi on the same day, leading to arrests at the galamsey site.

The application further alleges that after the arrests, the DCE warned the applicant to withdraw the complaint, threatening to change the land’s ownership if confirmed in his position. He is also alleged to have reaffirmed his brother’s claim about the judiciary’s subservience to him.

After considering arguments from both sides, the court ruled on Monday, December 15, 2025, finding the DCE guilty of contempt and imposing the GH₵12,000 fine.

The underlying case concerning the land and mining rights remains before the court, with further hearings scheduled to continue. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for land ownership and galamsey activities within the Atiwa East District.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE