Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has inaugurated 453 recruits under the Blue Water Guards initiative equipped with skills to provide surveillance and basic combat to protecting the water bodies from illegal mining.
The guards were tasked to collaborate with the Ghana Navy to combat illegal mining (galamsey) on major water bodies, including Ankobra, Pra, Fia, Tano, and Bonsa rivers.

They passed out after completing four weeks of intensive training at the Naval Operating Base in Ezinlibo, Jomoro Municipality in the Western Region.
During the passing out ceremony, Mr Buah, the Lands Minister, charged the recruits to uphold integrity and professionalism as frontline protectors of Ghana’s water resources.
“Your role is critical. “You are the eyes, ears, and first point of contact, working with traditional leaders and the local communities to safeguard our water bodies from illegal mining.

“Your duty is to observe and report any threats to the Ghana Navy Riverine Command Unit promptly,” he tasked them.
The Minister explained that the Blue Water Guards would not engage in confrontations but would serve as intelligence gatherers, relaying real-time information to the Navy for swift action.

He warned that breaches of their Code of Conduct would attract strict sanctions, urging them to demonstrate the highest level of discipline.
To enhance rapid response, Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs) have been established along the Ankobra, Fia, Bonsa, and downstream Pra rivers for coordinated surveillance.

The Minister also announced plans to expand the initiative to the Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Bono, and Savannah regions, creating over 2,000 direct jobs while protecting water bodies and forests from illegal mining.
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Brogya Genfi, reiterated the Navy’s commitment to supporting the guards in patrolling rivers and forests.
“Illegal mining is one of the greatest threats to our nation,” he stated, noting, “It’s devastating effects—poisoning water bodies, destroying farmlands, and intergenerational harm—demand urgent action,” he stressed.

The Blue Water Guards are fully empowered with survival swimming and boat handling skills backed by strong institutional support to fight illegal mining activities in rivers.
Mr. Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, stressed the need for collective effort to end the illegal mining scourge, noting, “Government leadership alone cannot win this fight. It requires the commitment of every citizen, traditional leader, and stakeholder”.

He said protecting the country’s water resources was the duty of every citizen to preserve it for the future generations.

“Citizens are encouraged to join the fight as Water Guard Volunteers, reporting suspicious activities to help protect Ghana’s natural resources.
The commissioning of the Blue Water Guards marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s battle against illegal mining, balancing enforcement with economic empowerment.
As the government rolls out these measures, the focus remains on preserving the environment while ensuring responsible and sustainable mining for all Ghanaians.