FJ Minerals Limited Clarifies Its Operations in Jimira Forest Reserve, Rebuts Falsehoods Circulated by “Concerned Youth of Kobeng
FJ Minerals Limited has expressed deep concern over a press release dated Tuesday, 11th November 2025, issued by a group calling itself the “Concerned Youth of Kobeng,” which the company says contains a series of false, misleading, and malicious allegations about its operations within the Jimira area of the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality in the Ashanti Region.
In an official rejoinder, FJ Minerals Limited categorically denied all the claims made in the publication, describing them as “entirely untrue and clearly intended to tarnish the reputation of the company and mislead the general public and relevant authorities.”
Lawful Operation and Regulatory Compliance
According to FJ Minerals Limited, the company is a legally registered Ghanaian entity, duly licensed by the Minerals Commission of Ghana and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to undertake large-scale mining operations within a designated concession area in and around the boundaries of the Jimira Forest Reserve.
The company emphasized that all its activities are conducted in strict compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and its amendments (Act 900 and Act 995), as well as the Environmental Protection Act and the operational and safety guidelines issued by the Forestry Commission and EPA.
FJ Minerals Limited listed the following official licenses and permits as evidence of its legal operations:
1. A Mining Lease issued in favour of FJ Minerals Limited by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, dated 21st June 2023.
2. An Entry Permit issued by the Forestry Commission, dated 16th June 2025.
3. A Water Use Permit issued by the Water Resources Commission, dated 27th February 2025.
4. An Environmental Permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dated 4th September 2024.
The company stressed that its operations are lawful and transparent, adding that all its licenses and permits were duly granted by the relevant state authorities after meeting the required environmental, technical, and social standards.
Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining
FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed that environmental sustainability and community welfare remain at the core of its operations.
Before commencing any activity, the company completed a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which was reviewed and approved by the EPA. It also disclosed that it has implemented ongoing land reclamation programs and environmental rehabilitation initiatives consistent with national standards.
The company stated that it does not use harmful chemicals such as mercury or cyanide in its operations, and it conducts regular environmental monitoring to prevent water or soil contamination.
“These measures are verifiable and subject to regular inspections by the EPA and the Minerals Commission,” the statement said.
Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
FJ Minerals Limited refuted claims that it had failed to engage the Kobeng community, clarifying that it has held multiple community engagement meetings with chiefs, elders, and youth representatives of Kobeng and surrounding communities since the inception of its project.
The company also outlined its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, which include:
Support for community road rehabilitation works,
Creation of employment opportunities for local youth, and
Periodic donations towards community development initiatives.
FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open dialogue and mutual respect with all stakeholders within the Kobeng area and its environs.
Allegations of Intimidation and Use of Armed Guards
The company strongly denied allegations that it had deployed armed land guards or harassed farmers in the area, describing such claims as completely baseless and defamatory.
According to the statement, FJ Minerals Limited employs only licensed private security officers who operate strictly within the law to safeguard company property against illegal miners and trespassers who pose security and environmental risks.
“At no point has FJ Minerals Limited authorized the intimidation or harassment of any community member,” the company stated. “Any individual with genuine grievances is encouraged to use lawful channels for redress.”
Misrepresentation of Ownership
Addressing claims that an individual known as “Burger” is the owner or operator of the company, FJ Minerals Limited clarified that this assertion is false and misleading.
“FJ Minerals Limited is a registered corporate entity governed by a Board of Directors and subject to Ghana’s Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992),” the rejoinder explained. “The company’s leadership and ownership structure are publicly verifiable through the Registrar of Companies.”
The company further stated that it has not yet commenced mining activities on any portion of its concession area allocated by the state. It explained that the false claims and misrepresentations are not reflective of the majority view of Kobeng residents but are rather the reaction of a few individuals displeased with the company’s lawful security measures taken to prevent illegal and unregulated mining (galamsey) within its concession.
Commitment to Transparency and Collaboration
FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed its openness to independent verification by the EPA, Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission, and the media to confirm the accuracy of its claims.
“We welcome any lawful investigation and are confident that such processes will expose the falsehoods being circulated,” the statement read. “We caution the authors of the misleading press release to desist from further defamatory publications and instead engage through proper dialogue and established community structures.”
Conclusion
FJ Minerals Limited assured that it will continue to operate in full accordance with Ghanaian laws, guided by transparency, environmental consciousness, and respect for its host communities.
“We urge the general public, the media, and all stakeholders to disregard the false publication by the so-called ‘Concerned Youth of Kobeng’ and to seek clarification directly from the relevant state agencies or our company,” the statement concluded.
The company reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to responsible mining, environmental stewardship, and community development within the Ashanti Region and across Ghana.
Signed:
Management of FJ Minerals Limited
Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality,
Ashanti Region – Ghana.
