Concerned Youth of Kobeng Demand Immediate Halt of FJ Mining Operations in Jimira Forest Reserve
The Concerned Youth of Kobeng, a group of residents from the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality in the Ashanti Region, have raised serious concerns over what they describe as unlawful and destructive mining activities being carried out by FJ Mining Company within the Jimira Forest Reserve.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, at Kobeng, the group said the company’s operations in the Kobeng–Nkonteng enclave have led to massive environmental degradation, destruction of farmlands, and widespread intimidation of local farmers and community members.
According to the youth, an individual popularly known as “Burger” entered the Jimira Forest Reserve about three years ago, claiming to possess a government-issued mining license. Since then, his company, FJ Mining Company, has been operating within the forest under questionable circumstances. The youth allege that these operations have caused immense damage to the environment and livelihoods of residents.
They emphasized that the Jimira Forest Reserve has, for decades, served as a vital source of livelihood for the people of Kobeng, Nkonteng, and other communities within the municipality, providing food, clean air, and ecological balance. The group lamented that the current mining activities threaten to completely destroy this essential natural resource.
Despite repeated assurances, the Concerned Youth stated that there has been no engagement between the company and the community, contrary to the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 900 and Act 995, which require community participation, environmental protection, and corporate social responsibility from mining firms.
They argued that FJ Mining Company’s operations are in gross violation of:
The Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995), which empowers communities to oppose mining operations that fail to meet social, environmental, and legal obligations.
The Environmental Protection Laws of Ghana, which strictly prohibit mining in forest reserves without proper environmental impact assessments and meaningful community consultation.
Observations and Concerns
The Concerned Youth of Kobeng outlined a number of disturbing observations regarding FJ Mining Company’s activities:
1. The company has not provided any form of community engagement, compensation, or benefit-sharing mechanism.
2. It has deployed armed land guards and installed signposts restricting farmers from accessing their own farmlands.
3. Farmers have been harassed, threatened, and in some cases, had their mobile phones seized by persons working with the company.
4. Dangerous mining pits, some approximately seven poles deep, have been left uncovered, posing extreme danger to human life—especially during rainfall.
5. Chemicals used for gold extraction are polluting the environment and pose serious health risks to residents.
6. Attempts to secure police protection and permission for a peaceful protest have been unsuccessful, leaving the community feeling vulnerable and silenced.
The group explained that several reports have been made to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Wisdom Boamah, popularly known as Okumkom, and the Forestry Commission. However, they were told that the miner allegedly possesses documents purportedly signed by the former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor.
According to the MCE, any attempt by the Assembly to intervene could lead to a lawsuit against the government and a possible judgment debt. The youth stated that they have video evidence to support this claim.
Demands by the Concerned Youth of Kobeng
The group issued a set of clear demands to the government and relevant authorities, calling for swift intervention to protect the Jimira Forest Reserve and their livelihoods.
They are demanding that:
1. The Government of Ghana immediately instruct FJ Mining Company to vacate the Jimira Forest Reserve.
2. All mining activities cease immediately, and all machinery and tools be removed from the forest.
3. All armed land guards be withdrawn to restore peace and security in the community.
4. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minerals Commission, and Forestry Commission conduct independent investigations into the matter.
5. Appropriate compensation be provided to affected farmers for the destruction of their crops and livelihoods.
Call to Action
The Concerned Youth of Kobeng vowed not to remain silent while their forest and farmlands are destroyed. They expressed their readiness to defend their environment and community through all lawful means if the authorities fail to take immediate action.
“We, the youth of Kobeng, will not sit aloof while our natural heritage is destroyed and our people live in fear. If government and relevant agencies fail to act, we shall take every lawful means available to defend our land, our forest, and our future,” the statement declared.
They called on the Government of Ghana, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Ashanti Regional Minister, the Municipal Chief Executive, and all relevant state institutions to act swiftly to stop the illegal mining operations before irreversible damage is done to the forest and surrounding communities.
The group also appealed to the media, civil society organizations, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to join them in their fight against environmental injustice and lawlessness, stressing that protecting the Jimira Forest Reserve is a collective responsibility.
Signed:
The Concerned Youth of Kobeng
Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, Ashanti Region
Conveners:
Nana Aduse Poku – Youth Leader | 0247075009
Stephen Dochie – Secretary | 0240291416
Nicholas Damte – Patron | 0244986071
Gorden Bright – Patron | 0244750214
