The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has officially commissioned 453 recruits under the Ministry’s Blue Water Guards initiative following four weeks of intensive training at the Naval Operating Base in Ezinlibo, located in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.
These newly trained personnel, now skilled in surveillance, survival swimming, boat handling, and basic combat techniques, will work in partnership with the Ghana Navy to tackle illegal mining activities (galamsey) across key water bodies such as the Ankobra, Pra, Fia, Tano, and Bonsa rivers.
In his address, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah urged the recruits to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism as frontline defenders of Ghana’s water resources. “Your role is vital,” he stressed.
“You serve as the eyes and ears on the ground, working closely with traditional authorities and local communities to protect our rivers and lakes from illegal mining. It is your responsibility to monitor, report, and swiftly relay any threats to the Ghana Navy Riverine Command Unit.”
The Minister emphasized that the Blue Water Guards are not intended to engage in direct confrontations but will operate primarily as intelligence officers, providing real-time information to the Ghana Navy for swift and effective intervention. He cautioned that any violations of their Code of Conduct would result in strict disciplinary measures, urging the recruits to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism.
To strengthen rapid response capabilities, Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) have been strategically set up along the Ankobra, Fia, Bonsa, and downstream Pra rivers, enabling more efficient and coordinated surveillance efforts. The Minister also revealed plans to extend the initiative to the Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Bono, and Savannah regions—an expansion that is expected to create over 2,000 direct jobs while safeguarding the country’s water bodies and forest reserves from illegal mining.
Supporting the initiative, Deputy Minister of Defence, Hon. Brogya Genfi, reaffirmed the Ghana Navy’s unwavering commitment to assisting the guards in protecting rivers and forested areas. “Illegal mining poses one of the gravest threats to our country,” he said.
“Its catastrophic impact—contaminated water sources, ruined farmlands, and long-term damage to communities—requires immediate and decisive action. The Blue Water Guards have our full backing and strong institutional support to carry out their mission.”
Mr. Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, emphasized the importance of a united front in the fight against illegal mining. “Government alone cannot win this battle,” he stated. “It demands the active involvement of every citizen, traditional authority, and stakeholder. Safeguarding our water resources is a shared responsibility—one we owe to future generations.”
He called on the public to play an active role by volunteering as Water Guard Volunteers and reporting any suspicious activities. Their support, he noted, is crucial in preserving Ghana’s natural resources for the benefit of all.
The commissioning of the Blue Water Guards represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, combining enforcement efforts with opportunities for economic empowerment. As the government advances these initiatives, the priority remains clear: protecting the environment while promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices that benefit all Ghanaians.
