Ernest Ntim, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atiwa East, has rejected media reports, particularly from state broadcaster GTV, suggesting he has been jailed for contempt of court.
According to Atiwa East DCE, his legal team has filed an appeal against a contempt ruling by the Koforidua High Court 2.
He added that the court did not impose a custodial sentence but fined him and three others, adding that the cost was shared among four people.
The Atiwa East DCE further dismissed media reports suggesting he had been jailed.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, December 15, Mr Ntim stated, “I was asked to pay a fine, and we immediately applied for an appeal. I will follow up on this case until the video they claim shows me on the land is played for everyone to see. I was only fined.
The GTV station that published the jail story was not in court. I do not think the President will act on calls for my removal without first listening to my side,” he said.
Also, speaking to Starr News, he stressed the reports suggesting he has been jailed by the Koforidua High Court for contempt are false.
“I am currently heading to my office to work. I urge the public to ignore this false agenda being pushed by illegal miners to tarnish my image,” he stated.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the Atiwa East DCE was at the Koforidua High Court 2 in connection with a contempt case cited against him and three others by a miner, Abeiku.
He has been accused of trespassing on a litigated parcel of mining land, which the court had earlier ordered all parties to stay away from until the final determination of the matter.
The court noted that Mr Ntim and members of his team were responsible for environmental destruction and the pollution of the Koben River, a water source for several communities.
The Koforidua High Court 2 consequently cautioned and fined the DCE GH¢12,000, while three others were fined GH¢2,000 each.
Ernest Owusu Ntim, the DCE, paid the fine and returned to his office to continue with his official duties.
However, the dispute over mining land on the boundaries of Ankaase and Asamang Tamfoe continues to fuel tension.