By King Amoah
In a landmark decision aimed at curbing the devastating impact of illegal mining, the Presiding Judge of the Koforidua High Court 2, His Lordship George Krofa on Tuesday March 31st 2026 issued a judicial ban on the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Atiwa East Ernest Ntim and his family members from engaging in any active galamsey activities within the District.
This decisive action stems from persistent reports and public outcry that link the DCE and his relatives to illegal mining coupled with perceived defiance of public advise on the existing mining regulations.
The court’s ruling comes after numerous accounts that highlights DCE Ntim’s alleged direct involvement in illegal mining operations.
These activities have been widely reported to be causing environmental damage including the pollution of water bodies and the destruction of forest reserves.
Furthermore residents have voiced out their frustration over the destruction of properties with little to no compensations provided to affected landowners and farmer.
This is not the first time DCE Ntim has faced legal repercussions for his alleged involvement in galamsey.
In last year 2025, the same Koforidua High Court 2 convicted the DCE for eight days.
Although he paid a fine of GHc120,000 for galamsey offences, reports suggest that instead of ceasing his activities he allegedly intensified them upon regaining his freedom thus incurred public wrath.
The escalating environmental degradation and destruction of livelihoods attributed to the DCE’s alleged galamsey operations culminated in a mass protest by the residents within the Atiwa East District on March 1, 2026.
Demonstrators took to the streets calling for the removal of DCE Ntim to protect their lands and salvage the government’s image.
They expressed deep concern that the continued unchecked activities were causing irreparable harm to their communities.
The residents further expressed the gravity of the situation at the Joy News bulletin on March 15, 2026, where they reiterated their worries in an interview about DCE Ernest Ntim’s galamsey activities.
They pleaded for immediate action to prevent further escalation and potential negative consequences.
Given the DCE’s prior brushes with the law regarding galamsey, the High Court upon being presented with the fresh Dce’s galamsey case did not hesitate.
An injunction has now been placed on DCE Ntim and his family members prohibiting them from participating in any illegal mining operations within the District.
This second judicial intervention against DCE Ntim concerning galamsey activities has placed a spotlight on President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
Ghanaians are as a matter of national interest waiting for the President’s stance and anticipating his decision on whether DCE Ntim will be removed from his post or allowed to remain in office despite the court’s injunction and the persistent public outcry against his alleged defiance of galamsey regulations.
The ruling serves as a stark reminder of the judiciary’s commitment to uphold the law and protecting the nation’s natural resources from the ravages of illegal mining.
