They have also appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to also intervene to prevent FJ Minerals Limited from its destructive mining activities in the area.

Nana Adusi Poku, Convener of the Concerned Youth of Kobeng, speaking at a press conference, at Kobeng, expressed deep concern over what the people described as “illegal and destructive mining activities by FJ Minerals Limited in the Jimira Forest Reserve.”

According to him, the company’s actions were threatening the ecological balance, destroying farmlands, and endangering the livelihoods of residents, who depended on farming and forest resources for survival.

He lamented that, the Jimira Forest Reserve, which had been provided them food over the years was being turned into a barren landscape.

The farmers and youth maintained that their cocoa, plantain, and other food crop farms were being destroyed, plunging them into economic hardship and uncertainty.

Nana Adusi Poku, appealed to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the occupant of the Golden Stool and custodian of Asanteman lands, to use his revered influence to protect the forest from further destruction and ensure that the community’s environment and livelihoods were preserved for future generations.

He alleged that FJ Minerals Limited was operating in the area without proper community engagement, which was required under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).  

He also alleged that the company’s security personnel often harassed farmers and prevented them from accessing their farms, making life unbearable for the people of Kobeng.

However, Mr. Mike Collins, Director of FJ Minerals Limited, speaking to the Ghana News Agency, denied the claims made against the company.

He stated that the company had not yet commenced operations in the Jimira Forest Reserve, and therefore, the accusations of destruction and harassment were baseless.

He explained that the area in question had already suffered significant environmental damage from illegal miners before FJ Minerals arrived.

Mr. Collins dismissed claims of harassment, insisting that the company had not deployed any security personnel to intimidate farmers.  

He emphasised that FJ Minerals Limited was committed to operating within the laws of Ghana and adhering to environmentally responsible mining practices when operations begin.

A visit by news reporters to the area revealed that some farmers were seen returning from their farms in Nkonteng and nearby communities.

The farmers interviewed denied being intimidated or harassed by the company’s security personnel, stating that they had continued to go about their farming activities freely without interference.