Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has stated that the Blue Water Guard initiative is designed not only to enforce environmental laws but also to instil a culture of environmental responsibility within communities.
He noted that the persistent pollution of water bodies poses a serious threat to livelihoods and the environment, making the deployment of trained young people essential to reversing the damage at the community level.
Speaking in an address delivered on his behalf at the inauguration of the first batch of Blue Water Guards for the Bekwai Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region, Mr Buah said the initiative forms part of a national campaign to protect rivers and other water resources.
He said the 18 beneficiaries have undergone training that equipped them with the skills to monitor water bodies, report illegal activities, and collaborate with relevant state institutions to promote the recovery and protection of rivers.
The Minister charged the newly trained guards to appreciate the importance of their role in safeguarding the nation’s water resources.
He urged them to execute their duties with diligence, discipline, and integrity, stressing that their actions would directly influence the success of the initiative.
He further called on traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and residents of the Bekwai Municipality to fully support and cooperate with the Blue Water Guards in their efforts to prevent further destruction of rivers and streams.
The inauguration of the Blue Water Guards initiative in Bekwai is expected to strengthen local efforts to curb illegal mining and contribute significantly to the restoration and long-term sustainability of water bodies in the area.
Mr Salifu Issaka, the Bekwai Municipal Chief Executive, said the initiative forms part of broader government measures to protect Ghana’s rivers and restore water bodies whose quality has been severely compromised by galamsey and other environmentally harmful practices.
He commended the government for introducing the Blue Water Guards initiative, describing it as a timely and strategic intervention in the fight against illegal mining.
