The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Atiwa East in the Eastern Region, Ernest Ntim, has been sentenced to eight days in prison by the Koforidua High Court 2 for contempt of court related to illegal mining activities, known as galamsey.
The court found Mr Ntim guilty of continuing galamsey operations on protected land despite a pending injunction motion restraining such activities. His actions were said to have caused extensive environmental damage, including the destruction of farmlands, pollution of the Koben River, and contamination of water sources serving several communities.
The ruling was delivered on Monday, December 15, 2025, following several adjournments in the case.
According to a report by GBC, Mr Ntim and his associates disregarded court processes, leading to the contempt charge. The judge emphasised the need to uphold the authority of the court and hold public officials accountable, particularly in the ongoing fight against illegal mining.