Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, says the government is beginning to see measurable progress in the fight against illegal mining, thanks to the vigilance of the newly deployed river guards under the Blue Water Initiative.

Speaking at the Ezinlibo Naval Base in the Western Region on Friday, July 25, where he inaugurated the second cohort of the Blue Water Guards, Mr Buah stated that the collective efforts of these frontline defenders are beginning to yield results in restoring Ghana’s degraded water bodies.

“This is not just another ceremony but a moment of critical importance as we take steps to reclaim the purity of our rivers, restoring hope to our communities, and renewing our covenant with the land that sustains us all,” he said.

Mr Buah explained that although mining remains a viable and necessary economic activity, its unregulated and destructive form, popularly called galamsey, has become an existential threat to Ghana’s water systems and national development.

“Our rivers, once vibrant lifelines for drinking water, agriculture, and livelihoods, now run thick with pollution from illegal mining activities. In the Western and Central Regions, water treatment plants have been forced to shut down, leaving families without clean water,” he lamented.

However, he noted that the government is not helpless in the face of this crisis, pointing to the success of the first cohort of Blue Water Guards, which was deployed earlier this year.
“453 personnel have already been recruited, trained, and deployed, and their impact has been tremendous. Their vigilance has led to measurable progress in our fight against galamsey, proving that this approach works,” the Minister announced to applause.

About the Blue Water Guards

The Blue Water Guards initiative was launched under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration as part of the broader Blue Water Initiative. The aim is to secure Ghana’s rivers and water bodies by deploying specially trained personnel to monitor, protect, and enforce environmental regulations in galamsey-prone areas. The initiative is backed by the Ghana Navy and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat (NAIMOS), the operational hub of the fight against illegal mining.

A New Breed of Environmental Defenders

Mr Buah swore in 530 recruits, describing them as more than just guards, but “community vanguards” with a sacred duty to protect the nation’s natural heritage.

“In the spirit of the Young Pioneers, I charge you to uphold this responsibility with courage and integrity. You are to monitor and protect, enforce the law without fear or favour, and engage communities to build local stewardship of our water resources,” he said.

He assured the recruits of continued support from NAIMOS and announced that the ministry will soon roll out the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme to offer sustainable alternatives to small-scale miners.

“This programme will provide training, modern equipment, and cooperative frameworks to ensure mining benefits communities without destroying our environment,” he disclosed.

A Charge to Serve with Honour

Mr Buah concluded with a rousing call to duty, reminding the guards that their success is tied to national survival.

“Blue Water Guards, be assured, the people of Ghana are behind you, and together, we will restore our rivers to their rightful state: clean, blue, and life-giving. We are proud of your commitment during training, and we expect nothing less than your best in the field,” he declared.

He officially inaugurated the second batch of recruits with a pledge of the government’s unwavering support in the battle to reclaim Ghana’s water bodies.