The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has launched the Blue Water River Guard training program—an ambitious initiative under the Blue Water Initiative designed to protect Ghana’s river bodies from the damaging effects of illegal mining.
The program aims to train 2,000 young Ghanaians to safeguard the nation’s water resources effectively.
The first phase of the project, which was launched in Ezinlibo in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region, will see 400 young men and women undergo intensive training by the Ghana Navy Riverine Command under the oversight of the Minerals Commission.
The training will equip them with the skills and expertise needed to monitor river health, prevent pollution, and enforce laws against illegal mining.
At the launch, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, delivered a speech on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.
He underscored the importance of the Blue Water Initiative in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining and urged the recruits to take their responsibilities seriously.
“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,” Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah said.
He highlighted the critical role that rivers play in the country’s development, including providing drinking water, supporting agriculture, sustaining fisheries, driving tourism, and facilitating transportation.
He emphasized that illegal mining, also known as galamsey, has caused severe pollution to the country’s water resources, threatening the livelihoods and health of communities.
"Our rivers are more than just bodies of water; they are the lifelines of our communities. 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.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah charged the Blue Water Guards to be firm and fair 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 intervention. 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.
He called on the public to support the initiative, stressing that the success of the Blue Water Guards depends on collective national effort.
“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 said.
The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, commended the government for prioritizing the Western Region in the pilot phase of the initiative.
He described the region as the hub of Ghana’s extractive industry but lamented the devastating impact of illegal mining on water bodies.
“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,” Hon. Nelson revealed.
He also noted the cross-border implications of river pollution, explaining that contaminated water from Ghana has been flowing into the neighboring Ivory Coast, creating diplomatic tensions.
Hon. Nelson expressed confidence that the Blue Water Initiative would help address these challenges and restore the health of Ghana’s river systems.
A Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, described the program as a critical step toward sustainable management of Ghana’s mineral resources.
He assured that the Commission would provide the necessary support to ensure the program’s success.
Madam Constance Aning, Senior Water Management Officer at the Water Resources Commission’s Ankobra Basin office, also praised the initiative.
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 reversing the damage.
The Blue Water River Guard training program is expected to strengthen Ghana’s ability to combat illegal mining and protect its vital water resources for future generations.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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