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The Jomoro Blue Water Guards, a pioneering initiative to protect Ghana’s water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining, has been deployed in the Western Region with 105 personnel.
The guards were trained under the Blue Water Initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at restoring the health of the country’s rivers and other water bodies.
Speaking at a short ceremony held in Jomoro on Friday, June 6, 2025, the Western Regional Director of Minerals Commission, Francis Anobil Jnr emphasised the importance of the program in safeguarding the country’s natural resources.
He called on the chiefs and residents of Jomoro to offer their total support to the guards to succeed.
He also appealed to them to support the government in the fight against the illegal mining (galamsey) in the region.
Stephen Agbo who represented the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, commended the personnel of the Blue Water Guards program for dedicating their time and lives to support the government to stop the galamsey activities in the country.
He said the government would continue to support the guards.
He took the opportunity to highlight the government’s commitment to combating galamsey and protecting the environment.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area, Benedict Boadi commended President John Dramani Mahama for the initiative and pledged his total commitment to support it to achieve its intended purpose.
He described the initiative as a very laudable one and called on the good people of Jomoro to rally the Blue Water Guards to succeed.
He advised the personnel of the Blue Water Guards program to think about the country first and avoid bribe and corruption that would tarnish the good image of the government.
The Odikro of Fawuman, John Abraham Amponsah pledged his support for the initiative to succeed.
He urged his residents to stay away from engaging in illegal mining and emphasised that anyone caught in the act would be dealt with ruthlessly.
The Blue Water Initiative aims to train river guards to monitor and protect water bodies from illegal mining activities.
The 105 guards will collaborate with the Ghana Navy to gather intelligence and relay real-time information to combat galamsey.
This initiative is part of the broader Reset Ghana Agenda, which includes environmental protection and sustainable development.
The deployment of the 105 Jomoro Blue Water Guards marks a significant step in Ghana’s battle against galamsey. With the support of local communities and traditional authorities, this initiative is poised to make a positive impact in protecting the country’s water resources and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The Blue Water Guards expressed appreciation to the government and pledged to discharge their duties responsibly.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had hinted of training another batch of the Blue Water Guards to support the state security agencies to combat the illegal mining in other regions.
Some weeks ago, those from Ellembelle district were deployed.
