The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Atiwa East, Ernest Ntim has been handed an 8-day jail sentence by the Koforidua High Court 2 for his involvement in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, on a protected land in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
The court found Ntim and his team guilty of destroying land, polluting a local river, Koben River, and contaminating the water source that serves several communities.
The ruling was delivered today, Monday, December 15, 202, after several adjournment by the court.
Reports indicate that Ntim’s actions caused significant environmental damage, including the destruction of farmlands and water bodies, posing a threat to the livelihoods of local residents.
The court’s decision comes after Ntim was cited for contempt of court for allegedly continuing galamsey activities despite a pending injunction motion.
The case has sparked widespread interest in Ghana, highlighting the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the environment.
The court’s ruling demonstrates its commitment to upholding the law and holding public officials accountable for their actions.
The Atiwa East MCE’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and the need for collective action to address this issue.
The government has been working to strengthen laws and enforcement to curb illegal mining, and this case may signal a shift towards greater accountability.
Ntim’s sentence has also raised questions about the role of government officials in environmental protection and the need for them to lead by example.
