The Minerals Commission, operating under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has assigned 10 Blue Water Guards to the Wassa Japa area within the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality to foster sustainable mining practices and safeguard water bodies from illegal mining operations.
These personnel, who have received specialized training from the Ghana Navy, are tasked with conducting surveillance patrols along riverbanks and reporting unlawful activities that jeopardize water bodies.
The Blue Water Guards will collaborate closely with military, police, national security, and district assemblies to address illegal mining, particularly those directly affecting rivers.
This initiative is currently active in the Western Region, with plans to extend the deployment of the guards to Prestea, Huni-Valley, and Simpa in the Prestea Huni-Valley and Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipalities.
During a community awareness forum in Japa, Mr. Steven Agbo, a Social Scientist at the Minerals Commission, clarified that the Blue Water Guards are a specialized unit established by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to safeguard water bodies and other natural resources from the environmental impacts of illegal mining.
He stressed that their presence is not meant to harm anyone but to aid in the fight against illegal mining along rivers. Mr. Agbo cautioned that any individual who assaults or hinders the Blue Water Guards in their duties will face severe legal consequences.
He urged the Chief Executives of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, along with Security Councils, to facilitate effective coordination among local security agencies to support the guards’ efforts. He also introduced the Blue Water Guards to stakeholders and encouraged them to maintain ethical and professional standards to fulfill the government’s objective of protecting Ghana’s rivers.
Mr. Francis Annobil Junior, the Western Regional Manager of the Minerals Commission, urged all stakeholders—including chiefs, traditional leaders, assembly members, unit committee members, religious leaders, and the general public—to provide their full support for the initiative.
He emphasized that their collaboration is crucial for the preservation of natural resources and water bodies for the benefit of future generations. Community leaders, such as Member of Parliament Mr. Nicholas Amankwah and Municipal Chief Executive Mr. Raymond Nana Ebbah, praised the Minerals Commission and the Ministry for this initiative and committed to offering their support.
Nana Kwabena Asare II, the Chief of Assin Breku, representing the Chief of Wassa Japa, Nana Atta Baah, reiterated their dedication to protecting the lands and rivers.
The Minerals Commission team, together with the Municipal Chief Executive, Member of Parliament, and other government officials, addressed the concerns of small-scale miners and assured them that the issues impacting their operations would be addressed.
