The Chief of Asaman Tamfoe in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region, Osabarima Kwame Koh, has rejected allegations suggesting that the District Chief Executive (DCE), Ernest Owusu Ntim, is involved in illegal mining activities.
The Chief’s response comes in the wake of a decision by the Koforidua High Court 2, which fined the Atiwa East DCE GH¢12,000 for contempt of court in an ongoing case connected to illegal mining on protected land.
Addressing the media, Osabarima Kwame Koh described the claims linking the DCE to galamsey as untrue and deliberately misleading.
He explained that the allegations were made by a known illegal mining operator from Ankaase and should be viewed as a deliberate attempt to damage the DCE’s reputation and derail his efforts to combat illegal mining in the district.
The Chief further alleged that the accuser, identified as Daniel Ansah, popularly known as Abeiku, has forcibly taken control of approximately 7,000 acres of land belonging to the Asaman Tamfoe traditional area and local farmers.
He added that the alleged illegal miner has engaged land guards who have reportedly attacked farmers and youths, thereby instilling fear and insecurity within the community.
Osabarima Kwame Koh has therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene promptly to protect residents and restore peace and security in the area.
By Vincent Kwofie
