Correspondence from the Eastern Region

The Constituency Executives, Ward Coordinators, Branch Executives and members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Atiwa East of the Eastern Region have strongly condemned what they describe as a sustained defamatory campaign against the District Chief Executive (DCE), Ernest Owusu Ntim.

At a press conference, party officials accused a local resident, Daniel Ansah, popularly known as Abeiku, of orchestrating “calculated and malicious” attacks aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the DCE, barely days after his endorsement by assembly members.

According to the NDC leadership in the constituency, the allegations being circulated against the DCE are false and politically motivated. They argued that the persistence of the claims risks misleading sections of the public and undermining confidence in the district’s leadership.

Track Record and Leadership

The party executives described Owusu Ntim as a respected educationist and entrepreneur prior to his appointment, noting that he had established and managed businesses in Accra and its environs before entering district-level administration.

They further highlighted his long-standing service to the party, stating that he was elected NDC Constituency Chairman at the age of 27 and served in that role for 12 years. During that period, they said, he demonstrated commitment, loyalty and what they termed “visionary leadership” in advancing the development agenda of Atiwa East.

Anti-Galamsey Measures at the Centre of Dispute

Central to the controversy, the NDC executives claim, is the DCE’s crackdown on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. They alleged that Ansah is widely known within parts of the constituency for involvement in illegal mining and unlawful land takeovers—claims that were not independently verified at the time of filing this report.

The party contended that since Owusu Ntim assumed office, there has been a significant clampdown on illegal land acquisition and mining activities, particularly those affecting farmlands.

Citing reports from party members in affected communities, the NDC stated that in Asamang Tamfoe alone, more than 200 farmers have allegedly lost about 70 hectares of farmland to illegal activities over the years. They added that similar incidents have been reported in Osino and Ankaase.

The executives further alleged that even land demarcated by traditional authorities in Asamang Tamfoe for use as a cemetery had been forcefully taken over for mining activities. They argued that the DCE’s firm stance against such practices has unsettled individuals who previously operated without restraint.

Allegations of Political Backing

In a more politically charged segment of the press conference, the NDC officials expressed concern over what they described as possible backing for Ansah from Evelyn Korang, a Council of State member representing the Eastern Region.

The constituency executives alleged that efforts may be underway to portray the DCE unfavourably before the presidency. They cautioned against any actions that could undermine party unity in Atiwa East, warning that they would not tolerate what they termed betrayal from within party ranks.

Warning and Call for Restraint

The NDC leadership issued a strong warning to Ansah to cease what they described as a defamatory campaign against the DCE. They pledged not to remain passive in the face of what they see as coordinated attempts to damage the reputation of the Assembly Chief.

They also called on the media and the public to treat allegations circulating on social media with caution and to disregard claims they described as unsubstantiated.

Commendation to the President

The party executives used the platform to thank President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Owusu Ntim, describing him as one of the best-performing DCEs in the country, particularly in the areas of land reclamation, combating irresponsible mining and policy implementation.

Reaffirming their support, the NDC Atiwa East Constituency leadership said they remain committed to “truth, justice and development,” and pledged unwavering backing for the DCE’s efforts to safeguard lands and livelihoods in the district.

The press statement was signed by the Constituency Executives, Ward Coordinators, Branch Executives and members of the NDC in Atiwa East.