Clean Jobs Resources Limited has strongly refuted allegations made by the Western North Regional Minister, accusing the company of engaging in illegal mining activities within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve.

In a statement released by the company’s Corporate Affairs Department, Clean Jobs Resources Limited categorically denied any involvement in illegal mining.

The company maintained that it is committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental protection and legal compliance, operating strictly within the framework of Ghana’s minerals and mining regulations, specifically Act 703.

According to the statement, the company’s engineers are currently setting up site infrastructure outside the forest reserve, adhering to the regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Forestry Commission.

Management emphasized that mining operations have not yet commenced on the concession located within the forest reserve.

The company revealed that it has been actively collaborating with the Forestry Commission's Rapid Response Team and the Military to combat illegal mining within the concession area.

However, Clean Jobs Resources Limited expressed frustration over repeated attacks on its staff and the Forestry Commission’s team by illegal miners, despite efforts to secure the area.

Following several failed attempts to get assistance from the Enchi police, the company reported the situation to the National Security Council, seeking intervention to protect its concession from illegal mining activities.

Expressing disappointment, Clean Jobs Resources Limited stated that it was surprising for the Regional Minister—who is familiar with the company’s challenges and has visited its head office—to attribute the ongoing environmental destruction to the company, while allegedly shielding the real perpetrators.

The company is calling on the Minister to retract what it described as defamatory comments.

The statement also highlighted that the company had taken proactive legal measures, including seeking court injunctions on the disputed property and collaborating with security agencies, particularly the Military, to apprehend illegal miners and confiscate equipment.

The company had also sought preservation orders through civil claims, informing the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources about the legal steps taken.

“It is illogical for us to be involved in illegal mining on our own concession while simultaneously informing the Forestry Commission, National Security, and the Ministry to assist in clearing illegal miners,” the statement read.

Clean Jobs Resources Limited reiterated its commitment to conducting rigorous environmental and legal assessments before commencing operations.

The company urged stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to clarify the situation and called on the public to disregard the accusations, emphasizing its dedication to positively impacting local communities.