A total of 138 Blue Water Guards have been inaugurated in the Bole and Bamboi areas of the Savannah Region to support efforts aimed at protecting local water bodies from illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader strategy to combat illegal mining and safeguard Ghana’s vital water resources.
The newly recruited guards, drawn from communities along major rivers, have completed a four-week intensive training programme covering surveillance, survival swimming, boat handling, environmental protection, and basic combat skills.
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yussif Sulemana, warned the recruits against engaging in extortion or collecting bribes from illegal miners, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full rigours of the law.
He further urged the guards to collaborate closely with the Police and the Military to ensure that individuals engaged in illegal mining activities are flushed out of waterbody areas.
“There is a need to protect this water because we have seen some attempts by youth and some coming from other neighbouring countries to mine in the water, and so you have been recruited to work hand in hand with the police and military here in the Bole district to ensure that people who are trying to destroy the water body are chased out of those areas.
“The assignment you have accepted is a huge one; you will be tempted with money, and you will be threatened. If you know you can’t stand those treats and those motivational factors from the galamsayers, you better own up. You are here to sacrifice for Mother Ghana,” he said
The officer in charge of the Blue Water Guards, Stephen Agbo, noted that officers from the Minerals Commission would provide continuous training and support to legally recognised mining companies to ensure smooth and compliant operations.
