On Monday, April 14, 2025, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, commissioned 453 recruits under the Ministry's Blue Water Guards initiative after they completed four weeks of intensive training at the Naval Operating Base in Ezilinbo, located in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.
The newly trained guards, equipped with skills in surveillance, survival swimming, boat handling, and basic combat, will collaborate with the Ghana Navy to combat illegal mining (galamsey) on major water bodies, including the Ankobra, Pra, Fia, Tano, and Bonsa rivers.
In his address, Armah-Kofi Buah charged the recruits to uphold integrity and professionalism as frontline protectors of Ghana's water resources. "Your role is critical," he emphasized. "You are the eyes, ears, and first point of contact, working with traditional leaders and local communities to safeguard our water bodies from illegal mining.
Your duty is to observe, report, and escalate threats to the Ghana Navy Riverine Command Unit promptly." The Minister clarified that the Blue Water Guards will not engage in confrontations but will serve as intelligence gatherers, relaying real-time information to the Navy for swift action.
