Navy trains 453 Blue Guards to protect our water bodies 

Mr. Armah Blay Inspects the Parade

A total of 453 Blue Guards graduated in Jomoro, Western Region. They will be deployed to protect local water bodies from illegal mining.

The Guards received training for two weeks from the Ghana Navy. They learned physical endurance, arms handling, combat techniques, survival swimming, and boat operations.

At the ceremony, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah spoke about a new era in fighting illegal mining. He praised the discipline shown during drills at the Naval Base.

"You have essential skills now," he said. "Your perseverance deserves commendation."

Minister Buah reminded the Guards that their training is for national protection. They are to safeguard rivers and not engage directly with illegal miners.

"You are the eyes and ears of our defense," he stated. The Guards must observe, report, and escalate threats to the Ghana Navy Riverine Command Centers.

He emphasized their commitment to professionalism through a signed Code of Conduct. Any breach would lead to serious consequences.

The Blue Water Guards will operate under the Ghana Navy's command as an Early Warning Mechanism. Temporary Operational Bases (TOBs) are set up along key rivers for quick responses.

Through coordinated patrols and intelligence-sharing with security agencies, Minister Buah aims to deter illegal activities effectively.

The Water Guards will work in teams across designated sectors for better control. Reports will be sent regularly to ensure accountability and improvement.

To enhance this initiative, more speedboats and vehicles will be acquired. This expansion will reach Central, Eastern, Ashanti, Bono, and Savannah regions.

This program is expected to create 2,000 direct jobs while protecting natural resources. It is part of a broader strategy to reform Ghana’s mining sector.

Minister Buah warned those behind illegal mining activities to stop immediately. "The law will deal with you swiftly," he cautioned.

Martin Kweku Ayisi, CEO of Minerals Commission, expressed regret over galamsey's impact on rivers. He noted that short-term greed harms both environment and communities' futures.

"This crisis threatens public health and livelihoods," he said. Communities are losing access to clean water; farmers struggle with irrigation; fishermen face empty nets.

Ayisi highlighted that resource degradation undermines food security and economic stability. "We can no longer stand idle as pollution rises," he urged action now.

He stressed that government leadership alone cannot win this battle; it requires everyone's commitment—citizens and leaders alike.

"Protecting our water resources is our duty to future generations," he concluded.

Present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister for Defense Brogya Gyamfi, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson, Awulae Attibrukusu III of Lower Axim, and Emelia Arthur from Fisheries Ministry.