Galamsey claims are a smear campaign- Atiwa East DCE

The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Atiwa East, Ernest Owusu Ntim, has denied allegations linking him to illegal mining activities, describing the claims as a calculated attempt by offenders to damage his reputation.

According to Mr. Owusu Ntim, the accusations surfaced after he intensified efforts to clamp down on galamsey and reclaim degraded lands within the district. Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Wednesday, December 17, he said the backlash was expected, given his firm stance against illegal mining.

“People don’t like change, and once you try to introduce something, they try to fight you. Some even went to tell my mother that when they come to the office and offer me money, I don’t take it because I am being too difficult. So, I was expecting it,” he said.

The DCE reaffirmed his commitment to combating illegal mining and restoring affected lands, stressing that attempts to smear his name would not derail his resolve to protect the environment.

“People are not happy when you try to stop them from things they have been doing for so many years. It is normal. It is not going to stop me. Some people are simply trying to give me a bad name,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Koforidua High Court 2 on December 15 fined Mr. Ntim GH₵15,000 for contempt of court over allegations that he continued illegal mining operations despite a pending injunction. The court ruled that he and members of his team were responsible for environmental damage, including the destruction of farmlands and the pollution of the Koben River, a major water source for surrounding communities.

Mr Owusu Ntim has, however, strongly rejected claims of his involvement in galamsey, maintaining that his priority remains enforcing accountability and safeguarding the environment in Atiwa East.