FJ Minerals Limited Condemns Malicious Publications by Kobeng Youth, Reasserts Lawful Operations and Community Commitment
FJ Minerals Limited has noted with deep concern a press release dated 11th November 2025, issued by a group identifying itself as the “Concerned Youth of Kobeng,” which contains a series of false, misleading, and malicious allegations regarding the company’s operations within the Jimira area in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
In a rejoinder, FJ Minerals Limited categorically stated that the contents of that publication are entirely untrue and appear intended to tarnish the reputation of the company and mislead the general public and relevant authorities.
Lawful Operation and Regulatory Compliance
FJ Minerals Limited emphasized that it is a legally registered Ghanaian company 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 stressed that its operations are not illegal as alleged. All activities, it noted, are conducted in strict compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and its amendments (Act 900 and Act 995), the Environmental Protection Act, and the operational and safety guidelines issued by the Forestry Commission and EPA.
According to the company, its operations and activities are carried out pursuant to the following valid licenses and permits granted to FJ Minerals Limited by the relevant state authorities:
1. A Mining Lease issued in favour of FJ Minerals 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 in favour of FJ Minerals by the Water Resources Commission dated 27th February 2025.
4. An Environmental Permit issued in favour of FJ Minerals by the Environmental Protection Agency dated 4th September 2024.
Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining
As a responsible company, FJ Minerals Limited stated that environmental sustainability and community welfare are at the core of its operations.
The company explained that it has completed a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), reviewed and approved by the EPA before commencing any activity. It has implemented ongoing land reclamation programs and environmental rehabilitation initiatives in line with regulatory standards, prohibited the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury or cyanide in its processes, and maintained strict 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 emphasized.
Community Relations and Social Responsibility
Contrary to the false claim that FJ Minerals Limited has failed to engage the community, the company stated that it has held multiple community engagement sessions with the chiefs, elders, and youth representatives of Kobeng and adjoining communities since the inception of its project.
Additionally, the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities include support for community road rehabilitation works, provision of employment opportunities for local youth, and periodic donations to community development initiatives.
FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open dialogue and mutual respect with all stakeholders in the Kobeng area.
Allegations of Intimidation and Use of Armed Guards
Responding to allegations that the company has deployed armed land guards or harassed farmers, FJ Minerals Limited described such claims as completely baseless and defamatory.
The company clarified that it 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.
“We have never, at any point, authorized the intimidation or harassment of any community member. Any individual with genuine grievances is encouraged to use lawful channels for redress,” the company noted.
Misrepresentation of “Burger” and Company Ownership
FJ Minerals Limited also rejected the publication’s reference to an individual known as “Burger” as the owner or operator of the company, describing the claim as inaccurate.
The company stated that FJ Minerals Limited is a registered corporate entity governed by a Board of Directors and subject to Ghana’s Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992). Its leadership and ownership structure, it said, are publicly verifiable through the Registrar of Companies.
“At this point, we wish to state categorically that FJ Minerals has not yet commenced its mining activities on any portion of the concession allocated to them by the state,” the rejoinder clarified. “We wish to add that these misrepresentations and falsehoods are not the opinion and views of the majority of the people of Kobeng. The actions of these youth are just a bad reaction to the security steps taken by the company to stop a section of the inhabitants from further entering into the company’s concession to rather carry out illegal and unregulated mining (galamsey).”
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 ascertain the truth of its statements.
The company said it welcomes any lawful investigation and is confident that such processes will expose the falsehoods being circulated. It also cautioned the authors of the misleading press release to desist from further defamatory publications and instead engage through proper dialogue and established community structures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, FJ Minerals Limited stated that it shall operate in full accordance with Ghanaian laws, with transparency, environmental consciousness, and respect for its host communities.
“We urge the general public, 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 said.
FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining, environmental stewardship, and sustainable community development in the Ashanti Region and across Ghana.
