Lands Minister Inaugurates Blue Water Guards, Vows to Restore Ghana's Rivers

Accra, Ghana – The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, today inaugurated the second batch of the "Blue Water Guards," a specialized unit dedicated to combating illegal mining (galamsey) and restoring the purity of Ghana's water bodies. The inauguration ceremony, held on Friday, July 25, 2025, underscored the government's renewed commitment to environmental protection.

Addressing the newly inaugurated guards, Minister Buah expressed unwavering support from the Ghanaian populace. "Blue Water Guards, be assured, the people of Ghana are behind you and together, we will restore our rivers to their rightful state: clean, blue, and life-giving," he declared.

The Minister further commended the guards for their rigorous training and dedication. "We are proud of your commitment during training, and we expect nothing less than your best in the field," he added, emphasizing the critical role they are expected to play in the fight against environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities.

The re-inauguration of the Blue Water Guards signifies an escalation of efforts to reclaim Ghana's polluted rivers and streams, which have been severely impacted by years of illegal gold mining. The initiative aims to ensure that these vital water sources are safe for consumption and can sustain aquatic life once more.

The government hopes that with the intensified operations of the Blue Water Guards, Ghana will see a significant improvement in the quality of its water bodies and a reduction in illegal mining practices.