The government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has launched the Blue Water River Guard training program an innovative module under the Blue Water Initiative, which will equip 2,000 Ghanaian youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to safeguard Ghana’s river bodies effectively.
The first phase of the project will involve 400 young Ghanaian men and women undergoing rigorous training by the Ghana Navy Riverine Command under the auspices of the Minerals Commission. This training will provide them with the expertise needed to combat illegal mining operations on river bodies.
At the launch of the initiative in Ezinlibo, Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, delivered a speech on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama. He emphasized the importance of the Blue Water initiative in the fight against illegal mining.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah urged the recruits to recognize the gravity of their responsibility. “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,” he said. He stressed that the importance of Ghana’s rivers cannot be overstated, as they are vital to the nation’s survival and development. He assured that the government would take all necessary actions to protect these resources, ensuring that depleted rivers recover their natural state while safeguarding unaffected ones.
“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,” he stated.
He further 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.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah also 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.
The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, highlighted the region’s significance as the hub of Ghana’s extractive industry and commended the Lands Minister for prioritizing the region in the pilot implementation of the policy. He lamented the devastating impact of illegal mining on water resources in the region, citing the shutdown of the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant in Tarkwa due to heavy pollution.
“The Western Region holds one of the three major water systems in the country and has the highest concentration of water pollution caused by illegal small-scale mining activities. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) was forced to shut down the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant, which produces 75% of potable water for Tarkwa and surrounding communities after efforts to treat the heavily polluted water proved futile,” he explained.
Hon. Nelson also noted the cross-border implications of the pollution, with contaminated water flowing into the neighboring Ivory Coast and causing tensions between the two countries. He praised the initiative as a timely and innovative solution to address the issue and called for nationwide support to ensure its success.
A Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, emphasized that the program aligns with the Commission’s mandate to regulate and manage Ghana’s mineral resources sustainably. He described the initiative as a critical step toward protecting the country’s water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining.
Madam Constance Aning, Senior Water Management Officer at the Water Resources Commission’s Ankobra Basin office, also hailed the initiative as timely and crucial. Drawing from her firsthand experience, she highlighted the severe impact of illegal mining on rivers and streams in the Ankobra Basin and expressed optimism that the Blue Water Guards would play a pivotal role in combating water pollution.
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