By DANIEL BAMPOE
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atiwa East, Ernest Ntim Owusu, is facing damning legal scrutiny over his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities, locally known as galamsey, in the Eastern Region.
Documents filed at the Koforidua High Court (Suit No. EAS/KF/HC/E1/151/2025) accused him of spearheading destructive mining operations without the consent of the landowners — activities which have resulted in widespread environmental devastation and public outrage.
This legal action comes amid growing concerns over the role of public officials in perpetuating the very illegal mining menace they are supposed to help curb.
The galamsey scourge has long plagued Ghana, drawing presidential condemnation and prompting military interventions.
Yet, the involvement of a sitting DCE adds a new dimension of impunity to an already volatile national crisis.
Destruction Without Consent
According to court filings cited by Asaase News, Mr. Owusu, along with his team, unlawfully entered and began mining operations on private lands in the Atiwa East constituency.
The team reportedly bulldozed through farmlands, destroyed crops, and stripped the land of its topsoil. Massive pits, left uncovered, now dot the terrain — posing grave danger to residents and farmers in the area.
The plaintiffs allege that these activities were undertaken without consultation or permission from the affected landowners, in clear violation of both customary land rights and environmental protection laws.
Pollution of Vital River
Even more alarming, the court documents reveal the pollution of the Koben River, a crucial water source serving the Ankaase Gyedam, Asaman Tamfoe, and surrounding communities.
The DCE’s team allegedly installed a pumping machine in the river to draw water for washing excavated soil mixed with harmful chemicals — a practice that has now contaminated the river with toxic wastewater.
To exacerbate the damage, a trench has reportedly been constructed to funnel this polluted water back into the river, raising fears of long-term health and ecological consequences for the affected communities.
Bold Claims of Impunity
Perhaps the most explosive detail in the court filing is the claim that Owusu and his associates boasted openly that the government is afraid to stop them.
“Not even the courts can stop us,” one alleged remark reads — a statement that has ignited public backlash and intensified calls for his immediate suspension.
Despite admitting to some wrongdoing when initially confronted, Owusu is said to have reneged on promises to vacate the land and cease operations, prompting the lawsuit now scheduled for hearing.
Galamsey and Government Hypocrisy
This case underscores the growing perception of hypocrisy within government ranks when it comes to fighting illegal mining.
President Mahama’s administration has declared illegal mining a national security threat, yet actors within the local government structures continue to be linked to the trade.
If proven, the allegations against Owusu could erode public trust further and embarrass the ruling establishment.
