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The Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has launched the “Blue Water Guards” initiative, a comprehensive program designed to combat illegal mining and safeguard the nation’s vital river systems. The program’s first phase will see 400 young Ghanaians undergoing rigorous training by the Ghana Navy Riverine Command, under the auspices of the Minerals Commission, equipping them with the skills necessary to effectively protect Ghana’s water bodies. The ultimate goal is to recruit and train 2,000 “River Guards” across mining communities nationwide.
The launch event took place in Ezinlibo, Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region, on March 17th, 2025, where the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, delivered a speech on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama. The Minister emphasized the crucial role of the Blue Water Initiative in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, highlighting the importance of protecting Ghana’s rivers as lifelines for communities, vital for drinking water, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and transportation.
Minister Armah-Kofi Buah urged the recruits to recognize the gravity of their responsibility, stressing that the protection of Ghana’s river bodies was being entrusted to them and that complacency would not be tolerated. He outlined the responsibilities of the Blue Water Guards, tasking them with monitoring river health, identifying areas of concern, reporting illegal activities, preventing pollution, and enforcing relevant laws and regulations, with the support of law enforcement agencies.
The Minister also emphasized that the initiative’s success hinges on collective action, calling it a “national call to action” and urging all Ghanaians to play their part in protecting water resources. He reiterated the government’s commitment to taking necessary actions to restore depleted rivers and protect those unaffected by illegal mining.
Hon. Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, further underscored the urgency of the initiative, citing the devastating impact of illegal mining on water resources in the Western Region, the hub of Ghana’s extractive industry. He lamented the forced shutdown of the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant in Tarkwa due to heavy pollution from illegal mining activities, depriving surrounding communities of potable water. The Bonsa Water Treatment Plant produces 75% of potable water for Tarkwa and surrounding communities and its pollution highlights the extensive damage galamsey causes.
The “Blue Water Guards” initiative represents a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal mining and protect its invaluable water resources. The program aims to empower young Ghanaians with the skills and knowledge to safeguard these vital ecosystems and ensure their sustainable use for generations to come.
