The Koforidua High Court 2 has fined the Atiwa East Municipal Chief Executive, Ernest Ntim, GHC12,000 after finding him in contempt of court over his involvement in illegal mining activities on protected land in the Eastern Region.
The fine followed an initial ruling that sentenced Ntim to eight days in jail, a decision the court later reviewed and varied on Monday, December 15, after considering submissions from his lawyers.
In its judgment, the court held that Ntim and members of his team were responsible for the destruction of farmlands, the pollution of the Koben River, and the contamination of a key water source serving several communities.
The illegal mining operations were found to have caused extensive environmental damage and threatened the livelihoods of residents.
Ntim was cited for contempt after he allegedly continued engaging in galamsey activities despite an injunction application pending before the court.
The court stressed that the decision to impose a fine rather than enforce the custodial sentence did not diminish the seriousness of the offence, noting that the ruling sends a strong warning against illegal mining and environmental degradation, especially when public officials are involved.
