The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has launched the Blue Water River Guard Training Programme under the Blue Water Initiative to protect river bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining.
The programme aims to equip 2,000 Ghanaian youth with the skills and knowledge needed to safeguard the nation’s waterways.
The initiative was officially launched in Ezinlibo, Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region, with an inaugural group of 400 young men and women set to undergo rigorous training under the Ghana Navy Riverine Command, supported by the Minerals Commission. Once trained, these recruits will be tasked with monitoring and protecting river bodies, identifying illegal activities, preventing pollution, and enforcing environmental laws.
A Call to Action
Delivering a speech on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah underscored the gravity of the recruits’ responsibilities.
“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,” Mr. Buah declared.
“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 further outlined the Blue Water Guards’ responsibilities, urging them to be firm yet 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 interventions. You are expected to prevent pollution and enforce laws and regulations related to river use, with the support of law enforcement agencies,” he stated.
Mr. Buah also called for a nationwide effort, stressing that the success of the initiative depends 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.
A Timely Intervention
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson highlighted the region’s significance as the hub of Ghana’s extractive industry and commended the Lands Ministry for selecting the Western Region for the programme’s pilot phase.
He lamented the severe impact of illegal mining on the region’s water resources, 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,” Mr. Nelson explained.
“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 also highlighted the cross-border implications of the pollution, as contaminated water flows into neighboring Ivory Coast, straining relations between the two countries.
Nelson described the Blue Water Initiative as a timely and innovative solution, calling for nationwide support to ensure its success.
A Sustainable Approach
Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, emphasized that the programme aligns with the Commission’s mandate to regulate and manage Ghana’s mineral resources sustainably.
“This initiative is a critical step toward protecting the country’s water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining,” he stated.
Senior Water Management Officer at the Water Resources Commission’s Ankobra Basin office, Madam Constance Aning, echoed these sentiments, hailing the initiative as crucial and timely.
Sharing 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.
