Prestea-Bogoso MCE, MP Caution Blue Water Guards Against Extortion

MCE Matthew Ayeh Addresses the Blue Guards

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Prestea Hunni-Valley, Dr. Matthew Ayeh, has issued a warning. He cautioned the Blue Water Guards against extorting money from miners.

Dr. Ayeh stated that the Assembly and Police Commander will monitor their actions closely. They will arrest any Guard who violates their code of ethics.

“You must work as a team,” he said. “Avoid going to unauthorized locations alone.” He promised support in finding legal income sources to reduce corruption.

The MCE spoke at a community gathering welcoming 20 Blue Water Guards to Prestea Bogoso. Five additional Guards have been deployed to Aboso.

Member of Parliament Robert Wisdom Cudjoe addressed the crowd as well. He clarified that deploying the Guards is not meant to harm mining in the district. Instead, it aims to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices.

“The Blue Water Guards support registered miners who operate responsibly,” he explained. He encouraged unregistered miners to follow proper channels for regularization.

Cudjoe also urged the Guards to work hard in restoring and preserving local water bodies.

Mr. Francis Annobil Jnr., Western Regional Manager of the Minerals Commission, spoke about the initiative's broader goals. It aims to protect water resources from illegal mining's harmful effects.

“This task requires everyone’s involvement,” Mr. Annobil stressed. This includes small-scale miners' associations and traditional leaders, not just government officials.

Mr. Steven Agbo, Deputy Manager for Community Relations, outlined the Guards' responsibilities. They will monitor activities around water bodies and report any infractions.

He emphasized that mining should occur more than 100 meters from water bodies and 500 meters from human settlements.

Agbo also announced that soldiers would soon join the Guards’ operations for support. “These guards are not here to intimidate residents,” he assured everyone. “They are here to protect our resources.”

He called for cooperation with the Blue Water Guards from all community members.