530 New Blue Water Guards Deployed to Fight Galamsey and Protect Ghana’s Rivers
530 New Blue Water Guards Join the Fight Against Illegal Mining
The government is stepping up its battle against illegal mining, also known as galamsey, with the deployment of 530 newly trained Blue Water Guards. The operation begins Friday, July 25, 2025, and will boost the total number of guards to over 1,000 nationwide./
At a press briefing held during the Government Accountability Series, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah said the initiative focuses on restoring polluted rivers and supporting local communities.
“This isn’t just law enforcement,” Mr. Buah noted. “This is national renewal.”
Community-Centred and Intelligence-Led
The Blue Water Guards are trained to operate in a non-confrontational and intelligence-driven manner. Their work involves:
- Monitoring environmental threats
- Educating local communities
- Gathering field-level intelligence discreetly
“These officers are part of the community. They raise awareness while keeping eyes on potential dangers,” the Minister added.
More Action on the Way
The Minister also announced the upcoming second phase of the initiative. This phase focuses on the “de-chemicalisation” of rivers — a process aimed at removing toxins and restoring water quality over time.
By the end of 2025, the government plans to train 2,000 Blue Water Guards under the programme.
Early Signs of Progress
Despite ongoing pollution in rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin, early results from the first phase have been promising. Officials report better cooperation from communities and stronger intelligence sharing in affected areas.
“We’re seeing real change where these guards have been deployed,” Buah said.
A Broader Environmental Mission
The Blue Water Initiative is part of a wider set of policies from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Other programmes include:
- Tree for Life (reforestation campaign)
- Responsible Cooperative Mining
- Land Administration Reforms
Together, these efforts aim to protect Ghana’s environment and promote sustainable natural resource use.
