Illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, continues to devastate the environment, particularly water bodies.
Several water bodies that once served as sources of drinking water for many and supported aquaculture, have been polluted by toxic cpatrhemicals from illegal mining activities.
As parts of efforts to tackle the menace, the government has launched the Blue Water Initiative.
It is a strategic intervention aimed at restoring the environment and polluted water bodies.
At the heart of the Blue Water Initiative is the deployment of 2,000 trained river guards who will patrol and protect water bodies from illegal miners who operate in river bodies.
Under the phase one of the project, 400 youth will undergo rigorous training by the Ghana Navy Riverine Command, under the auspices of the Minerals Commission.
At the recent launch of the initiative in Ezinlibo in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, stressed the importance of the initiative in the fight against galamsey.
“The protection of our river bodies is being entrusted to you. You cannot afford to be complacent or irresponsible in the discharge of your duties. Our rivers are more than just bodies of water; they are the lifelines of our communities. They provide drinking water, support agriculture, sustain fisheries, drive tourism, and facilitate transportation.
“Yet, the selfish actions of illegal miners are robbing us of these vital resources. The Blue Water Initiative is our response — a comprehensive strategy to safeguard our water bodies and promote sustainable practices,” he stated.
He charged the river guards to be fair and firm in their duties.
“You will be responsible for monitoring the health of our rivers, identifying areas of concern, and reporting any illegal activities for timely interventions. You are expected to prevent pollution in our rivers and enforce laws and regulations related to river use, with the support of law enforcement agencies.
“The success of the Blue Water Guards hinges on the support of every Ghanaian. This is not just a government initiative; it is a national call to action. We must all play our part in protecting our water resources. Today’s launch is only the first step. In the coming weeks, the ministry is committed to recruiting 2,000 River Guards across mining communities nationwide,” he noted.
JKB/AE
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