Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has strongly rejected claims that the deployment of river guards to protect the country’s water bodies is merely a “job for the boys.”
In an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile, the Minister clarified that the initiative is a structured, well-thought-out program designed to combat illegal mining and water pollution in Ghana’s river systems.
He emphasized that the initiative has strategic support from the Ghana Navy and is not intended as a political or patronage tool.
Buah explained that the river guard program is being carefully managed under the supervision of the Ghana Navy, which is providing training at its bases. “This is a well-thought-out programme, shepherded by the Ghana Navy.
The Navy is overseeing its training at its bases, and the plan is to establish 12 riverine bases across the country, including in Ashanti, Eastern, North, and Western regions,” Buah said.
He noted that because the Navy cannot be everywhere at once, these river guards will serve as the “eyes and ears” on the ground, ensuring swift responses to illegal mining and water pollution issues.
Addressing concerns about the river guards’ lack of arms or enforcement powers, Buah clarified that their role is primarily to monitor the rivers and act as first responders.
Their main responsibility is to relay crucial information to the Ghana Navy for rapid intervention. This makes them key players in ensuring the swift response to any illegal mining activities or pollution issues before they escalate.
“Their primary role is to monitor and serve as first responders, relaying critical information to the Ghana Navy for rapid intervention,” he explained.
Buah further defended the program’s approach, pointing out that the river guards are selected from the communities most affected by illegal mining.
These individuals are familiar with local dynamics and challenges, making them more effective in tackling water pollution and other environmental threats.
The community-based approach also helps foster a sense of responsibility and accountability among the river guards, which increases the program’s success.
“The river guards are selected from communities directly affected by illegal mining, making them familiar with local challenges and dynamics,” Buah stated.
While some have raised concerns about the potential for river guards to be compromised, as has occasionally happened with other security forces, Buah acknowledged the risk but argued that doing nothing was not an option.
“Everything you said is true. But what we are doing is better than doing nothing at all. The alternative leaving our water bodies unprotected is simply unacceptable,” he said.
The river guard initiative is part of the broader ‘Reset Ghana Agenda,’ a national effort to address illegal mining and environmental degradation.
As part of this initiative, the Blue Water Guards program aims to train 2,000 personnel nationwide by the end of the year.
Currently, 400 recruits are undergoing intensive training at the Ghana Navy Forward Operating Base in Ezinlibo, Western Region.
Once trained, these personnel will be tasked with monitoring river health, identifying illegal mining activities, and working with local communities and traditional authorities to tackle water pollution.
This program is a critical element in the government’s broader effort to address the environmental crisis posed by illegal mining and pollution of the nation’s water bodies.
Through this initiative, the government hopes to protect Ghana’s water resources and ensure sustainable use for future generations.
