The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atiwa East, Ernest Owusu Ntim, has dismissed reports suggesting he has been jailed by the Koforidua High Court for contempt.

Reacting to the publication, the DCE told Starr News that the claims are false, stressing that he was actively carrying out his official duties at the time the reports circulated.

“I am currently heading to my office to work. I urge the public to ignore this false agenda being pushed by illegal miners to tarnish my image,” he stated.

On Monday, the Atiwa East DCE appeared before Koforidua High Court 2 in connection with a contempt case cited against him and three others by a miner, Abeiku.

The case relates to accusations of trespassing on a litigated parcel of mining land, which the court had earlier ordered all parties to stay away from until the final determination of the matter.

The court subsequently cautioned and fined the DCE GH¢12,000, while three others fined GH¢2,000 each.

Ernest Owusu Ntim paid the fine and returned to his office to continue with his official duties.

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, locally known as galamsey.

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.