Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah- Kofi Buah has clarified the misconception of the duties of Blue Water Guards.
Addressing the press on Thursday April 3, 2025, the Minister reiterated the Guards duties emphasizing that, the Blue Water Guard Initiative is not a military task force but a specialized security unit created to support the Ghana Navy in combating illegal mining activities.
The Blue Water Guard initiative, launched on March 17, 2025 aims to recruit and train over 2,000 young people to provide intelligence and coordinated support in the fight against illegal mining, rather than engaging in direct military enforcement.
““We have introduced the Blue Water Initiative, targeting 2,000 young people to be trained as Blue Water Guards to monitor and report illegal activities. I must emphasize that these are not soldiers but security personnel trained to coordinate with the Ghana Navy. They will be trained as intelligence officers, learn swimming, and assist the Navy in operations”.
Lands Minister, Armah-Kofi Buah in the press briefing explained that the Blue Water Guard Initiative would offer 24-hour surveillance of Ghana’s water bodies, helping to curb illegal mining while restoring polluted rivers.
He further announced that, Over 400 recruits are expected to complete their training by April 15, 2025 paving the way for the next batch of trainees.
He mentioned that, the Ghana Navy is establishing 12 naval bases along major water systems to work in close coordination with the Blue Water Guards.
“The presence of these trained personnel will be felt along our river systems at all times. The tragic incident in the Enchi District, where a police officer drowned while chasing illegal miners, could have been averted if the Blue Water Guard had already been in place”.
