A total of 453 Blue Guards have passed out at a ceremony in Jomoro in the Western region.
The Guards would be deployed to the various water bodies in the region to fight illegal mining.
They have been equipped with essential skills such physical endurance, basic arms handling, combat techniques, survival swimming and boat operations after a two week training by the Ghana Navy.
At a passing out ceremony, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, indicated the day marked a new dawn in Ghana’s relentless fight against illegal mining activities.
He said the precision and discipline displayed during Water Guards drills were a testament to the rigorous training they have undergone at the Naval Base over the past four weeks.
“You have been equipped with essential skills – physical endurance, basic arms handling, combat techniques, survival swimming, watermanship and boat operations. Your perseverance deserves commendation, and I invite everyone to join me in applauding your dedication”.
The Minister cautioned the Guards that, the knowledge and skills they have acquired were not merely for personal growth, but to arm them as vanguards in our national strategy to safeguard our rivers.
Drawn from the very riverine communities, Minister Armah Buah reminded the Water Guards their role was absolutely critical.
“You are the eyes, ears and first line of defense, working alongside traditional leaders and local youth to protect our waters from the scourge of illegal mining. Your mandate does not include direct engagement with illegal miners. Your duty is to Observe, Report and Escalate any threats or confrontations to the Ghana Navy Riverine Command Centers expeditiously.
“Remember, you have signed a Code of Conduct – a binding commitment to professionalism and integrity. Any breach of this code, any compromise in your duties, will attract stiffer sanctions. The task before you is sacred; the future of our water bodies depends on your discipline and vigilance,” he said.
Under the operational command of the Ghana Navy Riverine Units, the Blue Water Guards will serve as an Early Warning Mechanism, reinforcing our surveillance and deterrence efforts. Temporary Operational Bases (TOBs) have been established along the Ankobra, Fia, Bonsa and downstream Pra Rivers to ensure rapid response.
Through coordinated boat patrols, road surveillance and intelligence-sharing with other security agencies, Minister Buah was optimistic “we will maintain an unyielding presence to deter illegal activities”.
The Water Guards, he indicated, would operate in teams strategically positioned along designated sectors for effective command and control.
Daily situational reports, weekly summaries, and quarterly evaluations would be channelled through the Ghana Navy to the Minerals Commission and the Ministry, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
To strengthen this initiative, additional speedboats, patrol vehicles and motorbikes would be procured, enabling the extension of the Blue Water Guards program to the Central, Eastern, Ashanti, Bono, and Savannah regions.
Beyond safeguarding the environment, this initiative the Minister stressed, is expected to create 2,000 direct jobs, empowering Ghanaians while securing our natural heritage. The Blue Water Guards initiative is just one pillar of a broader, comprehensive strategy to reform Ghana’s mining sector.
To the financiers and faceless individuals behind these destructive acts of illegal mining, Minister Armah Buah, who is also the MP for Ellembelle, warned them to desist immediately from the act. “The full force of the law awaits you. The law will deal with you swiftly and severely”.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Minerals Commission, Martin Kweku Ayisi
regretted that the scourge of galamsey has been allowed to poison our rivers, transforming life-sustaining waters into toxic streams.
Driven by short-term greed, illegal miners CEO stressed are destroying not only our environment, but also the future of our communities.
“This is not merely an ecological crisis; it is a threat to public health, livelihoods, and the very foundation of our nation”, he said adding the evidence of the scourge of galamsey is undeniable because Communities are losing access to clean drinking water. Farmers struggle to irrigate their crops. Fishermen haul empty nets from dying rivers.
According to him, the degradation of our natural resources undermines food security, economic stability, and social cohesion.
“We can no longer stand idle as turbidity levels reach intolerable thresholds and rivers run brown with pollution. The time for action is now – decisive, collective, and unwavering.”
While government leadership is critical, Mineral Commission CEO maintained this battle could not be won by policy alone. It demands the commitment of every citizen, traditional leader, and stakeholder.
“Protecting our water resources is a duty we owe to both present and future generations,” he said.
Present at the ceremony were the Deputy Minister for Defense, Brogya Gyamfi, Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, AwulaeAttibr,ukusu III, Omanhene of lower Axim and Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
