The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has commissioned 453 recruits as Blue Water Guards to combat illegal mining on major water bodies in Ghana. The guards completed four weeks of intensive training at the Naval Operating Base in Ezinlibo, Jomoro Municipality, Western Region.
The newly trained guards will collaborate with the Ghana Navy to protect rivers including the Ankobra, Pra, Fia, Tano, and Bonsa rivers. According to the Minister, the Blue Water Guards will serve as intelligence gatherers, relaying real-time information to the Navy for swift action, rather than engaging in confrontations.
Temporary Operating Bases have been established along key rivers for coordinated surveillance, and the initiative is expected to expand to other regions, creating over 2,000 direct jobs while protecting water bodies and forests from illegal mining. The Deputy Minister of Defence and the Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission emphasized the importance of collective effort in combating illegal mining, which poses significant threats to the environment and national development.
The government is encouraging citizens to join the fight against illegal mining by reporting suspicious activities as Water Guard Volunteers. The commissioning of the Blue Water Guards marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s battle against illegal mining, balancing enforcement with economic empowerment.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
