The District Chief Executive for Atiwa East, Ernest Owusu Ntim, has filed an appeal against a contempt sentence handed down by the Koforidua High Court on Monday.
Mr. Owusu Ntim, together with three others, was fined a total of twelve thousand Ghana cedis (GH¢12,000) for allegedly defying a court order relating to a parcel of mining land under litigation.
However, the DCE has vehemently denied the allegation, insisting that he never entered the disputed land, contrary to the court’s findings.
According to him, the presiding judge claimed to have video evidence showing his presence on the litigated site, a claim Mr. Owusu Ntim disputes.
He maintains that the ruling is unfounded and says the appeal seeks to set aside the contempt conviction, stressing his commitment to the rule of law and due process.
The appeal is expected to be heard in the coming days as legal processes continue.
They were cited for contempt by a notorious illegal miner – Abeiku, who is said to have become so powerful to deal with.
The DCE says he is ready to go the full horse to even to Supreme Court to prove his innocence.
The dispute over mining land on the boundaries of Ankaase and Asamang Tamfoe continue to fuel tension.
Earlier this year, community leaders led by Osabarima Kwame Koh, Chief of Asamang Tamfoe, held a press conference demanding the immediate arrest of Abeiku for allegedly causing extensive destruction to more than 13 hectares of farmland through illegal mining.
According to Osabarima Kwame Koh, Abeiku has been operating under the false claim that the affected lands belong to the Chief of Ankaase; claims the Asamang Tamfoe traditional authority has firmly rejected, insisting the lands fall under its jurisdiction.
Tensions heightened when more than 70 affected farmers reportedly stormed the mining site to confront Abeiku and his workers, demanding an immediate halt to the operations.
Atiwa East remains one of the districts hardest hit by illegal mining for the past decades .
In response, the DCE Ernest Owusu Ntim and taskforce established by the Assembly have intensified efforts to clamp down on the activity, often facing resistance from illegal miners and their financiers.
As part of new enforcement measures, the DCE has introduced the use of gas welders by anti-illegal-mining taskforces to dismantle chanfan boats and other mining equipment operating on the Birim River.
Explaining the strategy, Mr. Ernest Owusu Ntim said destroying engines alone has proven ineffective, as they are relatively cheap and easily replaced.
“When they burn or destroy the engine, they can easily get another one at about GH₵10,000 and return. But the boat; the base that carries the engine; costs between GH₵80,000 and GH₵100,000. Once we dismantle the boat and cut it into scrap, it becomes very difficult for them to come back,” he explained.
The DCE says the new approach is already proving to be a stronger deterrent in the district’s ongoing fight against illegal mining.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
