By King Amoah
Despite President John Dramani Mahama’s strenuous efforts to curb the menace of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, a concerning narrative is emerging from the Eastern Region.
Reports indicate that some of his own District Chief Executives (DCEs) are allegedly thwarting these efforts as they actively engaging in the very practice they are meant to combat.
These conduct has led to urgent calls for presidential intervention and accountability.
The fight against galamsey has been a cornerstone of President Mahama’s environmental agenda that aimed at protecting Ghana’s vital water bodies and forest reserves from the devastating impact of unregulated mining.
However it is becoming palpably clear that this national effort is facing internal sabotage.
Information gathered suggests that certain Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who have been entrusted to implement the president’s directives are instead operating illegal mining concessions to undermine the very policy they are sworn to uphold.
The spotlight is currently on the Eastern Region where these illegal activities are reportedly rampant.
Particularly disturbing are the allegations emanating from the Atiwa East District.
Sources close to the situation allege that the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Atiwa East Mr. Ernest Opoku Ntim is at the forefront of such operations.
It is reported that Ntim has employed some of his family members Ntim Junior and Victor Ntim who are actively engaged in illegal mining activities within the district especially at Ankaase Gyadam.
Further the DCE is allegedly leveraging his political status and the name of the party to shield these operations as it is effectively circumventing the strict directives laid down by President Mahama for the abolition of the illegal mining.
This alleged misuse of office and party affiliation for personal gains pose a threat not only to the environment but also to public trust in governance.
While Atiwa East District serves as a prominent example, similar practices are reportedly unfolding in several other districts across the Eastern Region.
The concerned residents who have been witnessing the continued destruction of their lands and water bodies are now making a fervent appeal for direct presidential monitoring.
They are urging President Mahama to personally intervene by investigating these grave allegations and bring such unlawful government officials to book to ensure that justice is done.
This sources related would help the the anti galamsey campaign to archive success.
The call for presidential action underscores the urgent need for robust oversight and uncompromising enforcement within the government ranks to win the battle against illegal mining.
Stay tuned for further developments on this cr issue.
Attached picture is the alleged galamsey DCE Ntim
