In August 2025, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Atiwa East District Assembly, Hon. Ernest Owusu Ntim, embarked on a familiarization tour to the Nanapa community, where he engaged traditional leaders, including chiefs and queen mothers, as well as the broader community.
The engagement focused on key development and security concerns, with particular emphasis on the implementation of a responsible modus operandi for community mining. Discussions also centered on ensuring that the entire community benefits equitably from the Community Development Levy, while preventing further destruction of water bodies and lands designated for domestic and agricultural use. Other critical issues, including community security, were also addressed.
Last Wednesday January 21st, 2026, around 2pm, the DCE and his entourage rolled back to the community to engage with the chiefs, the leaders and the entire community for the second time, with the purpose to know the current state of the community as at last year August 2025.
The meeting moderated by the Information Services Department (ISD) reveals an assessment presented by the community on the state of mining activities in Nanapa as of August 2025. This assessment revealed several challenges, including the failure to reclaim mined lands, the destruction of pathways leading to farmlands, and the lack of tangible benefits to the community from the community mining levy.
In his address, Hon. Ernest Owusu Ntim made it clear that, all recalcitrant miners would be dealt with decisively, stressing that such activities constitute a breach of agreements reached between the District Assembly and the Small-Scale Mining Association. He assured the community that enforcement measures would be strengthened to ensure compliance with established regulations even if it comes to the necessity of the involvement of NAIMOS, with an assurance, he will do it.
As part of the intervention measures, the DCE announced that the Ghana Blue Guard would be deployed to protect water bodies and areas not designated for mining activities. He further assured the community that all identified issues would be addressed through coordinated efforts between the Assembly, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders.
The Information Services Department (ISD) being the sole eyes and ears at the grassroot of every local Assembly for the government, and the rest of the media witnessed engagement reaffirmation commitment of the District Assembly to responsible mining, environmental protection, and inclusive community development in the Atiwa East District.
