The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, on Monday, April 14, 2025, commissioned 453 recruits under the Ministry’s Blue Water Guards initiative after they completed four weeks of intensive training at the Naval Operating Base in Ezinlibo, Jomoro Municipality, Western Region.

The newly trained guards, equipped with skills in surveillance, survival swimming, boat handling, and basic combat, will collaborate with the Ghana Navy to combat illegal mining (galamsey) on major water bodies, including the Ankobra, Pra, Fia, Tano, and Bonsa rivers.

In his address, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah charged the recruits to uphold integrity and professionalism as frontline protectors of Ghana’s water resources.

“Your role is critical,” he emphasised. “You are the eyes, ears, and first point of contact, working with traditional leaders and the local communities to safeguard our water bodies from illegal mining. Your duty is to observe, report, and escalate threats to the Ghana Navy Riverine Command Unit promptly.”

The Minister clarified that the Blue Water Guards will not engage in confrontations but will serve as intelligence gatherers, relaying real-time information to the Navy for swift action. He warned that breaches of their Code of Conduct would attract strict sanctions, urging them to demonstrate the highest level of discipline.

To enhance rapid response, Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) have been established along the Ankobra, Fia, Bonsa, and downstream Pra rivers for coordinated surveillance. The Minister also announced plans to expand the initiative to the Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Bono, and Savannah regions, creating over 2,000 direct jobs while protecting water bodies and forests from illegal mining.

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Brogya Genfi, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting the guards in patrolling rivers and forests.

“Illegal mining is one of the greatest threats to our nation,” he stated. “Its devastating effects—poisoned water bodies, destroyed farmlands, and intergenerational harm—demand urgent action. The Blue Water Guards are fully empowered, backed by strong institutional support.”

Mr. Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, stressed the need for collective effort: “Government leadership alone cannot win this fight. It requires the commitment of every citizen, traditional leader, and stakeholder. Protecting our water resources is a duty we all owe to future generations.”

Citizens are encouraged to join the fight as Water Guard Volunteers, reporting suspicious activities to help protect Ghana’s natural resources.

The commissioning of the Blue Water Guards marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s battle against illegal mining, balancing enforcement with economic empowerment. As the government rolls out these measures, the focus remains on preserving the environment while ensuring responsible and sustainable mining for all Ghanaians.