The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has defended the recruitment of ‘River Guards’ as part of efforts to combat illegal mining.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on Wednesday, March 26, he explained that the initiative is a crucial step in protecting water bodies from further degradation.

The ‘Blue Water Initiative,’ launched on March 17, includes the training of the first batch of ‘River Guards’ to curb the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining in the Western Region.

Mr Armah Buah noted that while the military and navy have played an essential role in fighting illegal mining, maintaining their permanent presence along riverbanks is neither practical nor sustainable.

Instead, he argued, the recruitment of ‘River Guards’ from local communities offers a more enduring solution.

These individuals, he said, are being trained by the Ghana Navy to monitor and report illegal activities rather than engage in direct confrontation with armed miners.

“They are not soldiers, they are not police, they are not armed guards,” he clarified.

“They are being trained by the Ghana Navy, which has a structured plan for their deployment. The navy lacks the manpower to cover every riverbank, so we have recruited individuals from these communities to support the effort.”

He further explained that the guards undergo rigorous training, including swimming and other essential skills, to equip them for their role.

The Minister stressed that community engagement is key to the success of the initiative.

He described the ‘River Guards’ as the “ears and eyes” of the navy and security forces, helping to bridge communication between local populations and law enforcement. “

We are creating a structure that fosters coordination, while also empowering community members to educate their peers on environmental protection,” he said.