The government has launched the Blue Water River Guard training programme, an ambitious initiative aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s river bodies from the devastating impact of illegal mining.
The programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, will train 2,000 Ghanaian youth to serve as frontline protectors of the country’s water bodies. The first phase, which has commenced in the Western Region, will train 400 recruits under the supervision of the Ghana Navy Riverine Command and the Minerals Commission.
At the launch event in Ezinlibo, Jomoro Municipality, Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah underscored the urgent need to reclaim Ghana’s water resources from illegal mining operations, locally known as ‘galamsey’.
He stressed that the Blue Water Initiative was not just an intervention but a national commitment to reversing environmental degradation.
“Our rivers are the lifelines of our communities, supporting drinking water supply, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and transportation. But illegal mining is destroying these vital resources,” he said.
Mr. Buah charged the recruits to uphold their duties with diligence, warning that failure would further endanger the nation’s water security.
“The protection of our rivers is now in your hands. You cannot afford to be complacent or irresponsible. We will not just reclaim depleted rivers but also safeguard those still in their natural state,” he added.
The Blue Water Guards would be responsible for monitoring river health and reporting illegal activities, preventing pollution and enforcing environmental laws, and also collaborating with security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining operations.
Mr. Buah emphasized that the success of the initiative depended on nationwide support.
“This is not just a government initiative; it is a national call to action. The Ministry is committed to expanding this programme, with 2,000 River Guards to be deployed across key mining communities,” he stressed.
Western Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Nelson, highlighted the Western Region’s pivotal role in Ghana’s extractive industry and its struggle with water pollution.
He cited the shutdown of the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant in Tarkwa, which previously supplied 75% of potable water to Tarkwa and its environs, as a stark example of the crisis.
“The pollution of our rivers has reached alarming levels, even affecting our neighbouring countries. This initiative is a timely response, and we must all support it to succeed,” he said.
With the Blue Water Initiative, the government is taking a proactive stance against the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.
