Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources designate, has proposed the establishment of "water guards" as part of innovative measures to address the devastating effects of illegal small-scale mining, also known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 27, 2025, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combat the menace, which continues to destroy water bodies, farmlands, and the environment while threatening livelihoods and exacerbating water scarcity.
“We must explore new ideas to address this challenge. Just as we have forest guards, why not water guards? These individuals would be trained not merely for security purposes but to understand their critical role in protecting the soul of our nation – our water bodies,” he stated.
Illegal mining has long plagued Ghana, impacting major crops like cocoa, contaminating drinking water sources, and posing significant health risks.
Civil society organizations have repeatedly called on the government to take decisive action, with some urging President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency to deal with the issue.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah assured the Committee that under his leadership, a comprehensive strategy would be implemented to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.
"This is not just about enforcing security measures; it’s about saving our environment and ensuring the survival of future generations. Creative and innovative solutions will be key to resolving this menace,” he added.
The suggestion of water guards reflects the minister-designate’s commitment to implementing new and practical solutions to combat illegal mining.
If approved, his leadership is expected to prioritize environmental preservation and sustainable resource management in addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges.
The proposal has already sparked conversations among stakeholders, with many awaiting its implementation as part of a larger plan to combat illegal mining and its destructive effects on the nation’s resources.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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