Four hundred and sixty river guards have been recruited for training to kickstart government’s Blue Water Initiative, aimed at restoring the health of the country’s rivers and other water bodies.
The Lands and Natural Resources Minster, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah who launched the programme on Monday at Ezinlibo in the Jomoro municipality of the Western Region further disclosed a total review of the mining licensing regime.
The Blue Water Initiative is a comprehensive programme by government that seeks to address the root causes of water contamination and degradation in the country.
The 460, who are the first batch of trainees are undergoing specialized training at the Ghana Navy Forward Operating Base in Ezelibo, Jomoro District, to become frontline defenders of Ghana’s water bodies.
In his address at the launch of the programme, Mr Buah emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Ghana’s thriving forests and rivers are under siege due to illegal mining. He said the Blue Water Initiative will combine enforcement with education, creating a sustainable approach to environmental protection while addressing the socioeconomic factors that drive illegal mining activities.
“The Blue Water Initiative is at the forefront of our gathering today, and at its core lies the Blue Water Guards programme. This year, we will train 2,000 individuals across the country to protect our water bodies.”
“The Blue Water Guards will serve as frontline defenders of our rivers, ensuring that our water resources remain a source of life, livelihood, and prosperity for generations to come.”
“The responsibility of these Blue Water Guards is paramount in the fight against illegal mining, particularly in protecting our water bodies. Their focus will be on monitoring water health, identifying areas of concern, and reporting illegal activities for timely intervention, he said.
He further announced that the Ministry will undertake two key projects in the coming weeks. The “Tree for Life” program and conduct a major overhaul of the mining license issuance process.
“Let me inform you that President Mahama will soon take action to address the issues facing our forests. In the coming weeks, he will launch the ‘Tree for Life’ initiative, a major program aimed at preserving our forest resources.”
“Additionally, we will announce a significant revision of the mining license issuance process, decentralizing it to involve landowners, chiefs, and local custodians. This overhaul aims to bring sanity to the process and ensure that our natural resources are protected for future generations,” he announced.
The Deputy CEO of The Minerals Commission, Emmanuel Anyimah, highlighted the vital role the Blue Water Guards will play in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources
“I challenge you to stand tall in this responsibility, serving with pride, courage, and a deep sense of duty to Ghana. The success of the Blue Water Initiative depends on your dedication and integrity. May you emerge from this training as disciplined, skilled, and committed guardians of our rivers,” he charged.
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson is urging the public to support the initiative to combat illegal mining, praising the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry for their efforts.
“Western Region is home to three major water bodies in Ghana, but unfortunately, it’s also bearing the brunt of the highest concentration of polluted water due to rampant illegal mining activities. The devastating impact of this pollution is evident in the shutdown of the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant in Tarkwa, which supplied a whopping 75% of potable water to Tarkwa and surrounding communities,” he said.
He added that “Despite efforts to treat the heavily polluted water, the plant was forced to shut down operations due to the sheer impossibility of making the water potable.
“I commend Honorable Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah for his swift response to this crisis. It’s essential that all Ghanaians rally behind him and provide the necessary support to tackle this environmental menace successfully.”
The post Galamsey fight: 460 river guards undergo training for Blue Water initiative first appeared on 3News.
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