FJ Minerals Limited Debunks Kobeng Youth’s False Claims – Urges Public to Verify Facts with EPA and Minerals Commission
FJ Minerals Limited has issued a strong rejoinder to what it describes as false, misleading, and malicious allegations made by a group identifying itself as the “Concerned Youth of Kobeng.” The company, in an official statement dated Tuesday, 11th November 2025, expressed deep concern over a press release issued by the said group, which it says contains several inaccuracies about its operations within the Jimira area of the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality in the Ashanti Region.
The management of FJ Minerals Limited categorically stated that the claims made by the “Concerned Youth of Kobeng” are entirely untrue and appear to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the company and mislead the general public, traditional authorities, and regulatory agencies.
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 in and around the boundaries of the Jimira Forest Reserve.
The company stressed that its operations are not illegal, as alleged, but rather conducted in strict compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), its amendments (Act 900 and Act 995), the Environmental Protection Act, and the operational guidelines of both the Forestry Commission and EPA.
FJ Minerals Limited listed its officially granted licenses and permits as follows:
- A Mining Lease issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on 21st June 2023.
- An Entry Permit granted by the Forestry Commission on 16th June 2025.
- A Water Use Permit issued by the Water Resources Commission on 27th February 2025.
- An Environmental Permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 4th September 2024.
“These documents are verifiable and were lawfully granted by the relevant state institutions,” the statement said. “Our company operates under the full authority of these regulatory frameworks and has never engaged in any illegal activity.”
Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining
The management of FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and community welfare, describing environmental protection as a core part of its operational philosophy.
The company explained that it had completed a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), reviewed and approved by the EPA, prior to the commencement of any activity. It also outlined ongoing environmental initiatives including:
- Continuous land reclamation and environmental rehabilitation programs;
- A strict ban on the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide; and
- Regular environmental monitoring to prevent contamination of water and soil.
“These measures are verifiable and are regularly inspected by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Minerals Commission,” the statement affirmed.
Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility
Responding to claims that it has failed to engage with the community, FJ Minerals Limited stated that such assertions are false and misleading. The company disclosed that it has held multiple engagement meetings with the chiefs, elders, and youth representatives of Kobeng and adjoining communities since the start of its operations.
It further noted that its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives include:
- Support for community road rehabilitation projects,
- Provision of employment opportunities for local youth, and
- Periodic donations to support community development activities.
The company reiterated its commitment to open dialogue and mutual respect with all stakeholders in Kobeng and its environs.
Allegations of Intimidation and Armed Guards
FJ Minerals Limited also rejected allegations that it had deployed armed land guards or harassed farmers in the area, describing the claims as baseless, defamatory, and completely untrue.
The statement explained that the company employs only licensed private security personnel who operate strictly within the law to safeguard company property from illegal miners and trespassers who pose security and environmental threats.
“At no point has FJ Minerals Limited authorized the intimidation or harassment of any community member,” the company said. “We encourage anyone with genuine grievances to use lawful and peaceful channels for redress.”
Misrepresentation of Ownership
Addressing false claims regarding its ownership, FJ Minerals Limited clarified that references to an individual known as “Burger” as the owner or operator of the company are inaccurate and misleading.
The company stated that it is a registered corporate entity governed by a Board of Directors and subject to Ghana’s Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992). It added that its ownership structure is publicly verifiable through the Registrar of Companies.
Furthermore, the company revealed that it has not yet commenced actual mining operations on any portion of its concession. It noted that the misleading statements from the group do not reflect the views of the majority of Kobeng residents but rather the actions of a few individuals reacting to measures taken by the company to stop illegal mining activities within its concession.
Commitment to Transparency and Collaboration
FJ Minerals Limited reiterated its openness to independent verification by the EPA, Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission, and the media to ascertain the truth about its operations.
“We welcome any lawful investigation and are confident that such processes will expose the falsehoods being circulated,” the statement said.
The company further cautioned the authors of the misleading press release to desist from issuing further defamatory statements and instead engage through proper community dialogue channels.
Conclusion
FJ Minerals Limited reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, environmental consciousness, and lawful operations in Ghana’s mining sector.
“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 verify all facts directly with the EPA, Minerals Commission, and other relevant authorities,” the company stated.
FJ Minerals Limited assured all stakeholders of its dedication to responsible mining, environmental stewardship, and community development in the Ashanti Region and across Ghana.
Signed:
Management of FJ Minerals Limited
Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality,
Ashanti Region – Ghana.
