The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has declared that mining itself is not the problem but rather the lawlessness within the sector, which has led to severe environmental degradation.

Speaking at the inauguration of the second cohort of 530 Blue Water Guards at the Ezinlibo Naval Base, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, through the Blue Water Initiative.

Delivering his address on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the minister highlighted the dire state of Ghana’s water bodies, which have been heavily polluted by illegal mining activities.

He noted that rivers, once vital for drinking water, agriculture, and livelihoods, are now compromised, with water treatment plants in the Western and Central Regions forced to shut down due to pollution.

This, he noted, has resulted in significant health, environmental, and economic challenges for communities.

"Mining is not the enemy. When done responsibly, it can uplift communities and drive development. The enemy is the lawlessness that has turned this sector into a threat," the minister stated.

He underscored the government’s resolve to restore the purity of Ghana’s rivers through strategic interventions like the Blue Water Initiative, launched under President Mahama’s leadership.

The event marked the commissioning of 530 newly trained Blue Water Guards, who will join the 453 personnel already deployed as part of the initiative. The guards, trained in collaboration with the Ghana Navy Riverine Command, are tasked with monitoring and protecting water bodies, enforcing laws against polluters, and engaging communities to promote sustainable practices.

“Today, we inaugurate the 530 members of the second cohort of the Blue Water Guards, the frontline defenders in this critical mission. This is not our first deployment; 453 personnel have already been recruited, trained, and deployed, and their impact has been tremendous. Their vigilance has led to measurable progress in our fight against galamsey, proving that this approach works,” he noted.

The minister described the guards as "community vanguards" with a sacred duty to safeguard Ghana’s water resources.

The minister praised the Ghana Navy for their partnership and commended the initial cohort’s success in curbing galamsey activities.

He also announced the upcoming Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Program, which will provide legal and sustainable alternatives for local miners through training, modern equipment, and cooperative frameworks.

The minister assured the new recruits of support from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat (NAIMOS), which serves as the operational hub for Ghana’s fight against illegal mining and its environmental impacts.

He urged the guards to uphold courage and integrity, promising recognition and elevation for those who demonstrate exceptional dedication.

GA