Convener of the OneGhana Movement, Senyo Hosi, is calling for the resignation or dismissal of the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atiwa East, Ernest Ntim, warning that failure to act will entrench impunity and political corruption.

The call comes after the Koforidua High Court 2 fined Mr Ntim GH₵12,000 for contempt of court in an ongoing illegal mining (galamsey) case.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews, Mr Hosi said allowing the matter to slide would send a dangerous signal that abuse of power carries no consequences.

“If this is allowed to slide, it will amount to impunity and political corruption. We expect strong leadership from His Excellency the President in this matter,” he stated.

According to him, the DCE would be doing himself a favour by stepping aside to allow for a proper probe into the allegations.

Mr Hosi further criticised what he described as attempts by the DCE to cling to office despite allegations of intimidation.

• Read also: Atiwa East DCE fined GH₵12,000 for contempt in galamsey case

“He should recuse himself, clear his name, and return. He is a politician. Doing that will show that he truly means well as far as governance is concerned,” Mr. Hosi added.

He also lamented a growing erosion of accountability in governance, stressing that power ultimately belongs to the people.

“We are also not adequately resourcing the NCCE to educate citizens that power resides with the people. Article 1 of the constitution is very categorical on this,” he said.

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Meanwhile, Mr Ntim has rejected the ruling, described it as unjust, and confirmed that his lawyers have filed an appeal.

He has denied being involved in any form of illegal mining.

Background

The injunction application sought to restrain the DCE and other persons from entering the land, which is the subject of a substantive suit pending before the court. It further barred them from grading or removing soil, digging pits or ditches, engaging in any form of mining activity, or dealing with the land in any manner whatsoever.

Despite the matter being sub judice, the applicant alleges that the DCE, his brothers, and another person—described in the application as illegal miners within the Atiwa East District—re-entered the land and continued galamsey operations.

Court documents state that on May 2, 2025, one of the DCE’s brothers, was confronted at the site and reportedly claimed that “his brother (now DCE) had been nominated for the position of DCE for Atiwa East, and on his confirmation, no one, not even the courts could interfere with their activities, and further that even judges will become the subordinates of the DCE.”

The affidavit in support of the application argues that the conduct of the DCE and the other respondents was willful and deliberate, constituting contempt of court and an interference with the administration of justice intended to undermine the authority of the court.

According to the applicant, a complaint was lodged with the Eastern South Regional Police Command at Kyebi on May 2, 2025, while the matter was still pending before the court. The police subsequently effected arrests at the galamsey site.

The application further alleges that after the arrests, the DCE confronted the applicant, stating that those arrested were his workers and warning that if the complaint was not withdrawn and he was later confirmed as DCE, he would change the ownership of the land and claim it as his own.

The applicant also alleges that the DCE confirmed his brother’s assertion that “even the judges would become his subordinates” upon his confirmation, and advised the applicant to allow him to mine quietly.

After several adjournments, the court delivered its ruling on Monday, December 15, finding the DCE in contempt and imposing a fine of GH₵12,000.