Your Mandate Does Not Include Direct Engagement With Illegal Miners – Minister to Blue Water Guards

The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has cautioned members of the newly commissioned Blue Water Guards to strictly stick to their mandate of “observe, report, and escalate” in the national fight against illegal mining.

Speaking at their passing-out ceremony at the Naval Base, Hon. Buah made it clear that the guards are not to engage illegal miners directly but instead serve as frontline surveillance officers in riverine communities.

A total of 454 young men and women, drawn from communities affected by illegal mining, completed a four-week intensive training program at the Ezilebo Forward Operating Base.

Their training included physical endurance, basic arms handling, combat tactics, survival swimming, watermanship, and boat operations—preparing them to protect Ghana’s threatened water bodies.

“These young people have shown great discipline and dedication, and their role is vital in President Mahama’s vision of a community-led approach to environmental protection,” Hon. Buah said.

He also announced plans to expand the program to other regions and create 2,000 jobs for the youth.

The Blue Water Guards will work under the operational command of the Ghana Navy along key rivers including the Ankobra, Fia, Bonsa, and Pra.

They will act as an early warning system, supporting security agencies in protecting Ghana’s water bodies from the harmful effects of galamsey.

Adding to the call for integrity and vigilance, the Deputy Minister of Defense, Ernest Brogya Gyemfi, also warned the guards against compromising with illegal miners.

He stressed that any personnel found engaging in corrupt practices would be prosecuted under the law.

“You are not just representing yourselves—you represent your communities and the entire nation. Stay focused and help make Ghana a better place,” he said.

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