Lands Minister Commissions 636 Blue Water Guards to Strengthen Anti-Galamsey Fight
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), has commissioned a third batch of 636 Blue Water Guards as part of intensified efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s water bodies.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Ezinlibo Naval Base in Jomoro, brought together government officials, regional authorities and security agencies. The newly trained guards, drawn largely from the Ashanti, Central and Eastern regions, will be deployed to identified illegal mining hotspots to enhance surveillance and enforcement along rivers and other vulnerable water sources.
Addressing the parade, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah reaffirmed government’s commitment to environmental protection, describing it as central to national development. He said the expanded Blue Water Guards initiative would complement existing interventions and reinforce government’s resolve to clamp down on illegal mining activities.“The protection of Ghana’s environment and water bodies remains a top priority,” the Minister stated, adding that the guards will work closely with the Ghana Navy, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and other relevant agencies to monitor rivers, detect illegal activities and safeguard critical water resources.
With the commissioning of the third cohort, the total number of trained Blue Water Guards nationwide has increased to about 1,700, significantly strengthening Ghana’s frontline environmental protection efforts.
The Minerals Commission also reiterated the need for a collective national response to illegal mining. Speaking on behalf of the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, the Acting Deputy CEO in charge of Small-Scale Mining and Industrial Minerals, Mr. Maxwell Klu, described galamsey as a serious threat to public health, livelihoods and the country’s future.
Mr. Klu highlighted the extensive environmental damage caused by illegal mining, particularly the pollution of rivers and other sources of drinking water, which has negatively affected farming, fishing and access to clean water in many communities.
While acknowledging the importance of government leadership, he stressed that the fight against illegal mining requires the active involvement of citizens, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and local communities.
He called for sustained public education, support for responsible mining practices, prompt reporting of illegal activities and greater accountability in law enforcement.
The Minerals Commission further advocated increased investment in innovative solutions and alternative livelihood programmes to support individuals transitioning from illegal mining to lawful and sustainable economic activities.
The Blue Water Guard initiative forms part of a broader government strategy that includes a strict no-mining policy in forest reserves, reforestation and water restoration programmes, and coordinated enforcement through collaboration with security agencies, the Minerals Commission and community leaders.
The newly commissioned guards are expected to serve as frontline defenders of Ghana’s rivers, undertaking daily patrols, reporting illegal activities, engaging communities and supporting national anti-galamsey operations.
In his remarks, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, pledged continued regional support for the initiative, reaffirming government’s commitment to protecting natural resources and promoting responsible and sustainable mining.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah urged the recruits to uphold professionalism, integrity and patriotism in the discharge of their duties, while Mr. Klu concluded by calling for national unity in protecting Ghana’s water resources for present and future generations.
