Minister Calls On Blue Water Guards To Lead Fight Against Water Pollution

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has charged newly graduated Blue Water Guards to take the lead in protecting Ghana’s rivers and streams from pollution and illegal mining activities.

He was speaking at the passing-out ceremony of the third batch of the Blue Water Guard Initiative held at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ezinlibo in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.

A total of 636 recruits successfully completed their training.
The Minister urged the graduates to see their deployment as a national duty, describing them as vanguards entrusted with safeguarding Ghana’s water bodies for the benefit of present and future generations.

He explained that the Blue Water Guard Initiative was established to help “turn our waters blue” through community participation and youth empowerment.

So far, about 1,700 Blue Water Guards have been trained across nearly seven regions of the country.

Addressing the ceremony, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Frank Amoakohene, commended the President and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for their foresight in establishing the initiative.

He charged the graduates to conduct themselves as disciplined patriots, stressing integrity, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Maxwell Y. A. Klu, also congratulated the graduates, describing the passing out of the third batch as a remarkable milestone in Ghana’s efforts to safeguard its marine and water resources.

He noted that the training had equipped the Blue Water Guards with the skills and knowledge needed to combat illegal mining and promote responsible and sustainable mining practices.

Mr. Klu reaffirmed the Minerals Commission’s commitment, as a key regulator in the mining sector, to ensuring a sustainable environment.

Story by Nana Fynn@W/R.