The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has emphasized the significance of the Blue Water Guard Initiative, a government-led effort aimed at tackling illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking on the initiative, in a press conference on April 3, 2025, the minister highlighted that it is designed to enhance security along Ghana’s river systems by training 2,000 personnel to work alongside the Ghana Navy.
He further stated that the Ghana Navy will establish a training basin along the country’s three major water systems, ensuring that the presence of security forces is felt at all times to deter illegal mining activities.
“We have, within this short period, initiated the blue water guard project, which is to train about 2000 young people. These people are not soldiers but are basically security personnel trained to coordinate with the Ghana Navy and also trained as intelligence officers. They will also be trained in swimming to help the Navy.
“The Ghana Navy will create a training basin along our three water systems and coordinate with the river guards so that their presence can be felt along the river systems at times.
“As part of the project’s rollout, 400 recruits are expected to complete their training by April 15, paving the way for a second batch to commence. Buah stressed the urgency of the initiative, citing a recent tragedy in Enchi, where a policeman drowned while pursuing illegal miners.
“Over 400 young people are expected to complete their training by April 15 to make room for the second batch of trainees. The importance of this initiative was confirmed by the sad incident in Enchi when a police man drowned in the line of duty chasing illegal miners. The presence of the valve water guard would have averted the situation,” he stated.
