Galamsey: 400 out of 2,000 Blue Water Guards begin training

The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has launched the Blue Water River Guard training programme in the Western Region.
This initiative, a key component of the broader Blue Water Initiative, aims to equip 2,000 Ghanaian youth with the skills and knowledge required to protect the country’s vital river bodies from illegal mining activities.
The first phase of the initiative will see 400 young men and women undergo intensive training at the Ghana Navy Riverine Command, under the supervision of the Minerals Commission. These recruits will be trained to combat illegal mining operations that pollute water sources and threaten the nation’s environment and livelihoods.

Minister stresses importance of river protection
At the official launch of the programme in Ezinlibo, Jomoro Municipality, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, underscored the critical role of the Blue Water Initiative in addressing the menace of illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey’.
“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 told the recruits, highlighting the severe consequences of water pollution caused by illegal mining.
He emphasized that Ghana’s rivers are indispensable to national survival and development, serving as sources of drinking water, sustaining agriculture and fisheries, promoting tourism, and facilitating transportation.

Govt’s commitment to restoring depleted rivers
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that depleted rivers recover to their natural state while protecting unaffected ones.
“Our rivers are more than just bodies of water; they are the lifelines of our communities. 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.

Roles and responsibilities of the Blue Water Guards
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah outlined the key responsibilities of the Blue Water Guards, urging them to remain fair but firm in executing 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 noted.
He further called on all Ghanaians to support the initiative, stressing that the fight against illegal mining required a 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,” the minister stated.

Devastation of illegal mining
The Western Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Nelson, welcomed the initiative and commended the lands minister for prioritizing the region in the pilot phase of the programme.
He lamented the severe impact of illegal mining on water bodies in the region, pointing to the shutdown of the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant in Tarkwa due to extreme 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,” Mr Nelson explained.
He also highlighted the international implications of water pollution, as contaminated rivers flow into neighboring countries, leading to diplomatic tensions.
“The cross-border impact of this pollution is alarming. If we do not act now, we risk straining relationships with our neighboring countries due to the pollution originating from our territories,” he warned.

Call for nationwide support
Mr Nelson praised the Blue Water Initiative as a well-timed and innovative approach to tackling the galamsey crisis.
He called for national unity and support in ensuring its success, stressing that the initiative was not only a government effort but a crucial step toward securing Ghana’s water resources for future generations.
With the training of the first batch of Blue Water Guards underway, the government remains optimistic that this initiative will significantly contribute to curbing illegal mining and restoring Ghana’s rivers to their pristine state.