The Minister in Charge of Government Communications and Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese constituency, Hon. Felix Ofosu-Kwakye has highlighted the crucial role played by the “Blue Water Guards” in monitoring and responding to illegal mining activities along Ghana’s vast river bodies.
His justification comes as a robust defense of the government’s efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining, locally referred to as “galamsey”.
Hon. Ofosu-Kwakye’s remarks reflects the government’s intensified crackdown on galamsey operations, which have posed a significant threat to the country’s water resources, ecosystems, and the livelihoods of local communities.
The minister emphasized the strategic value of the Blue Water Guards in serving as the “eyes and ears of the state” in these sensitive areas.
“Ghana is a vast territory. Our river bodies cover wide expanses, so you need permanent eyes and ears watching over them in order to trigger responses that need to be implemented when persons engaging in Galamsey strike.”
Hon. Felix Ofosu-Kwakye
Hon. Ofosu-Kwakye’s reflection justifies the importance of having a dedicated force to monitor and respond to illegal mining activities.
Anti-Galamsey Efforts
The Blue Water Guards, a specialized unit within the government’s broader anti-galamsey initiatives, have played a crucial role in supporting the National Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce (NAIMOS) operations along the country’s waterways.
Hon. Ofosu-Kwakye also highlighted the close collaboration between the Blue Water Guards and NAIMOS, with the former serving as the “eyes and ears” for the more heavily armed and equipped taskforce.
“Almost every NAIMOS action that has taken place along the river bodies have been in close collaboration with the Blue Water Guards. So they are doing a good job and they need to be encouraged.”
Hon. Felix Ofosu-Kwakye
The minister praised the efforts of the Blue Water Guards in contributing to the government’s anti-galamsey campaigns.
Expansion of the Blue Water Guards
Recognizing the valuable role played by the Blue Water Guards, the government pledged to expand the unit’s presence and capabilities. Ofosu-Kwakye revealed that the government had set a target of deploying 2,000 Blue Water Guards by the end of the current year, with 1,200 already deployed earlier in the year.
“Last week, I’m aware of some recruitment efforts. We know we promised that by the close of this year, a total of 2,000 Blue Water Guards would have been deployed. About 1,200 of them had been deployed in the earlier parts of the year. So by the close of the year, that 2,000 targets will be met.”
Hon. Felix Ofosu-Kwakye
According the minister, the move underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering the unit’s presence and capabilities.
Challenges and Sustained Efforts
While the Blue Water Guards have been instrumental in the government’s anti-galamsey efforts, Ofosu-Kwakye acknowledged that the task is not without its challenges.
He noted that the guards may not always be equipped to confront the armed thugs involved in illegal mining activities, requiring the support of more specialized state agents when necessary.
He recounted that “Nobody is going to confront the armed thugs. But it is not always the case that people engaging in Galamsey are armed. So there are instances where the blue water guards on their own have been able to fend off these galamsey.”
This highlighs the guards’ adaptability in dealing with different scenarios.
While the government continues its battle against the scourge of galamsey, the expansion of the Blue Water Guards and their close collaboration with other law enforcement agencies will be crucial in safeguarding Ghana’s precious water resources and ecosystems.
Ofosu-Kwakye’s defense of the unit’s efforts underscores the government’s determination to address this complex challenge and protect the long-term sustainability of the mining industry and the broader economy.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s Banking Assets Explode Past GHS 423bn as Sector Posts Strongest Recovery Since DDEP
