Lands Minister backs River Guards Initiative in the galamsey fight

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, supports the recruitment of ‘River Guards.’ This initiative aims to combat illegal mining.

In an interview on Channel One TV on March 26, he explained its importance. The program protects water bodies from further damage.

The ‘Blue Water Initiative’ launched on March 17 trains the first group of ‘River Guards.’ Their goal is to reduce environmental destruction in the Western Region.

Mr. Armah Buah noted that the military and navy help fight illegal mining. However, a permanent presence along riverbanks is not practical or sustainable.

He believes recruiting ‘River Guards’ from local communities offers a better solution. These guards will monitor and report illegal activities instead of confronting armed miners directly.

“They are not soldiers or police,” he clarified. “They are not armed guards.”

The Ghana Navy trains these individuals with a structured deployment plan. The navy lacks enough personnel to cover every riverbank, so local recruits support their efforts.

The guards receive rigorous training in swimming and other essential skills for their roles.

The Minister emphasized that community engagement is vital for success.

He described the ‘River Guards’ as the “ears and eyes” of the navy and security forces. They help connect local populations with law enforcement.

“We are creating a structure that fosters coordination,” he said. This initiative also empowers community members to educate others about environmental protection.