Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has lauded the Blue Water Guards Initiative for its significant impact in the fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey, stating that the program’s measurable progress demonstrates its effectiveness.
Speaking at the inauguration of the second cohort of 530 Blue Water Guards at the Ezinlibo Naval Base, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s water bodies under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Buah highlighted the severe toll illegal mining has taken on the nation’s rivers, which are critical for drinking water, agriculture, and livelihoods.
He noted that pollution from galamsey has led to the shutdown of water treatment plants in the Western and Central Regions, causing health crises and economic losses.
However, he emphasized that the Blue Water Initiative, a flagship program to combat these challenges, is yielding tangible results.
The minister revealed that the first cohort of 453 Blue Water Guards, previously trained and deployed, has made significant strides in curbing illegal mining activities.
“Their vigilance has led to measurable progress in our fight against galamsey, proving that this approach works,” he said.
The newly inaugurated cohort of 530 guards, trained in collaboration with the Ghana Navy Riverine Command, will further strengthen these efforts.
The minister described the Blue Water Guards as “frontline defenders” tasked with monitoring and protecting water bodies, enforcing laws against polluters, and engaging communities to foster sustainable stewardship.
He urged the recruits to approach their duties with courage and integrity, likening their role to that of the Young Pioneers and assuring them of support from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat (NAIMOS), the operational hub for combating illegal mining and its environmental impacts.
The minister also announced the forthcoming Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Program, which will provide local miners with training, modern equipment, and cooperative frameworks to promote legal and sustainable mining practices.
The initiative, he said, is aimed at ensuring that mining benefits communities without harming the environment. Expressing gratitude to the Ghana Navy for their collaboration, the minister encouraged the new recruits to maintain the high standards set during their training. He promised that exceptional dedication would be recognized and rewarded, reinforcing the government’s commitment to long-term success in restoring Ghana’s rivers.
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