The Mahama government has taken new steps to fight illegal mining by launching the Blue Water Guards initiative.
This program, announced by Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, aims to train 2,000 Ghanaian youth to safeguard the country’s river bodies.
Speaking at the ceremony held in the Western Region, he said “The protection of our river bodies is being entrusted to you. You cannot afford to be complacent or irresponsible in the discharge of your duties.”
Armah-Kofi Buah stressed that the importance of Ghana’s rivers cannot be overstated, as they are vital to the nation’s survival and development.
“Our rivers are more than just bodies of water; they are the lifelines of our communities. They provide drinking water, support agriculture, sustain fisheries, drive tourism, and facilitate transportation. Yet, the selfish actions of illegal miners are robbing us of these vital resources. The Blue Water Initiative is our response—a comprehensive strategy to safeguard our water bodies and promote sustainable practices,” the Minister stated.
He also outlined the responsibilities of the Blue Water Guards, charging them to be fair and firm in their duties.
“You will be responsible for monitoring the health of our rivers, identifying areas of concern, and reporting any illegal activities for timely interventions. You are expected to prevent pollution in our rivers and enforce laws and regulations related to river use, with the support of law enforcement agencies,” he added.
The Minister called for a collective effort to address the menace of illegal mining.
“The success of the Blue Water Guards hinges on the support of every Ghanaian. This is not just a government initiative; it is a national call to action. We must all play our part in protecting our water resources. Today’s launch is only the first step. In the coming weeks, the Ministry is committed to recruiting 2,000 River Guards across mining communities nationwide,” he noted.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
