W/R: Lands Minister launches Blue Water Initiative to train guards

On March 17, 2025, Ghana took a significant step toward combating illegal mining and restoring its polluted rivers with the official launch of the Blue Water Initiative. The event, held in the Western Region, brought together key figures including Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister and Richard Kirk-Mensah, Head of Corporate Communications at Ghana National Gas Company Limited. The initiative is set to train 2,000 guards to protect the country’s water bodies, a critical move aimed at reducing the harmful effects of illegal mining, particularly the notorious practice of “galamsey.”

Speaking at the launch, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah urged the recruits to recognize the gravity of their responsibility.
“The protection of our river bodies is being entrusted to you. You cannot afford to be complacent or irresponsible in the discharge of your duties,” he said.

Armah Kofi Buah also assured that the government would take all necessary actions to protect these resources, ensuring that depleted rivers recover their natural state while safeguarding unaffected ones.

“Our rivers are more than just bodies of water; they are the lifelines of our communities. They provide drinking water, support agriculture, sustain fisheries, drive tourism, and facilitate transportation. Yet, the selfish actions of illegal miners are robbing us of these vital resources”, Armah Kofi Buah expressed.

Empowering local communities in the fight against galamsey

A distinctive feature of the Blue Water Initiative is its focus on engaging local communities in the fight against illegal mining. On the launch day, the first batch of 460 guards commenced their training, with all of them selected from the regions most affected by illegal mining activities. These guards will be tasked with protecting the country’s vital water resources from the devastating impacts of galamsey.

By involving community members directly, the initiative is creating a sense of ownership and responsibility. Those who live near these water bodies are often the most affected by illegal mining, and they possess the local knowledge and understanding needed to tackle the issue effectively. The government hopes that this community-based approach will foster deeper commitment and create a more sustainable solution to the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

Comprehensive training for effective surveillance and enforcement

The newly recruited guards are undergoing specialized training in water monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement techniques to help combat illegal mining operations. This extensive program is designed to ensure that the guards are equipped with the necessary skills to tackle the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by illegal miners.

Illegal mining has continued despite previous government bans, leading to further pollution of water sources and damage to ecosystems. The guards will play a critical role in monitoring and enforcing the law, helping to safeguard the country’s water bodies for future generations. Their efforts will be pivotal in ensuring that the government’s environmental policies are upheld.

A collaborative effort for a cleaner, greener future

The Blue Water Initiative is not only a government-led initiative but a collective effort that includes support from the private sector. One key supporter, Richard Kirk-Mensah, Head of Corporate Communications at Ghana National Gas Company Limited, expressed the company’s commitment to the initiative’s success. The private sector’s involvement is crucial, as it demonstrates a broad consensus across various sectors that action must be taken to address one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Richard Kirk-Mensah remarked at the launch: “I joined the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the Western Regional Minister Hon. Joseph Nelson to launch the Blue Water Initiative. The initiative aims to train 2,000 guards to protect our water bodies from illegal mining, and today marks the official start of this journey with the first batch of 460 guards.”

This partnership between the government and private sector underlines the initiative’s significance and the need for a collective approach to solving environmental problems.

Kirk-Mensah at launch of Blue Water Initiative: A bold step in protecting water bodies

The event also marked a milestone with the inauguration of the first batch of “Blue Water Guards” at the Naval Base in Ezinlibo.

Speaking at the launch, Richard Kirk-Mensah highlighted the initiative’s long-term impact: “We are confident that these young men and women, who are undergoing rigorous training, will exemplify the highest standards of dignity, patriotism, and hard work as they work to fulfill the objectives of this initiative.”

The participation of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing further emphasizes the collaborative nature of this initiative. Together, these agencies will ensure that the Blue Water Initiative remains a priority in addressing environmental challenges across the country.

A long-term commitment to environmental preservation

The Blue Water Initiative is more than just a response to the immediate crisis of illegal mining. It is part of a broader, long-term strategy to preserve Ghana’s natural resources. Through continuous training and community engagement, the initiative is setting the groundwork for more sustainable natural resource management. As more guards are trained and deployed, the hope is that Ghana’s rivers and water bodies will be restored to their former health, and future generations will benefit from clean and safe water sources.

This collective action, which includes the government, local communities, and the private sector, marks a bold and necessary step toward securing a cleaner, greener future for Ghana. By confronting the challenges posed by illegal mining head-on, the Blue Water Initiative aims to protect the nation’s water bodies and preserve them for generations to come.