Government to Launch Blue Water Guards Initiative to Combat Galamsey
The government of Ghana is set to commission the Blue Water Guards today,
Monday, April 14, 2025, in the Western Region as part of a concerted effort to
tackle the widespread illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, that have
been harming the country’s water bodies. This initiative, which was launched on
March 17, 2025, aims to provide 24-hour surveillance of Ghana’s precious water
resources, particularly those affected by illegal mining operations.
The Blue Water Guards will be tasked with monitoring and protecting the
country’s water bodies, helping to combat the environmental damage caused by
illegal mining activities. These activities have led to the pollution of
several water sources, which has had a detrimental effect on both the
environment and the communities that rely on these water bodies for their
livelihoods. The government hopes that the Blue Water Guards will help restore
these polluted water resources and prevent further damage to the environment.
While the government is optimistic about the impact of the Blue Water
Guards, some organizations have expressed scepticism regarding the initiative’s
effectiveness. The Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining and A Rocha Ghana
have raised concerns that similar efforts in the past have not yielded significant
results. These groups argue that despite the introduction of various measures
to curb illegal mining, the issue persists and continues to affect Ghana’s
water bodies, particularly in mining regions.
The government has defended the Blue Water Guards Initiative, asserting that
it is a critical step toward protecting Ghana’s environment and ensuring
sustainable development. The initiative is seen as a crucial part of the
broader efforts to tackle illegal mining, which has long been a challenge for the
country. With the government’s focus on improving environmental conservation,
the Blue Water Guards are expected to play a key role in safeguarding Ghana’s
water resources for future generations.
As the commissioning ceremony takes place, all eyes will be on the
effectiveness of the initiative and whether it can deliver tangible results in
the fight against galamsey. While doubts remain, the launch of the Blue Water
Guards represents a new chapter in Ghana’s ongoing battle to protect its
environment from illegal mining activities.
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