Ezinlibo: The Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, launched the Blue Water River Guard training programme in the Western Region. The programme is designed to equip 2,000 Ghanaian youth with skills and knowledge to safeguard Ghana's river bodies.
According to Ghana News Agency, the first phase will involve 400 young Ghanaian men and women. They will receive training at the Ghana Navy Riverine Command under the Minerals Commission's auspices. The training aims to provide participants with expertise to combat illegal mining operations on river bodies.
At the initiative's launch in the Jomoro Municipality, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, emphasized the Blue Water initiative's role in fighting illegal mining. He urged recruits to recognize their responsibility, stating, "The protection of our river bodies is being entrusted to you."
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah highlighted the rivers' importance to Ghana's survival and development, assuring the government's commitment to protect these resources. He stated, "We will ensure that the depleted rivers recover to their natural state while safeguarding unaffected ones."
The Blue Water Initiative is a comprehensive strategy to safeguard water bodies and promote sustainable practices. The Minister outlined the responsibilities of the Blue Water Guards, charging them to be fair and firm in their duties. He emphasized the need for a collective effort against illegal mining, noting the initiative's success depends on every Ghanaian's support.
Mr. Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, highlighted the region's significance as Ghana's extractive industry hub and praised the lands minister for prioritizing the region in the policy's pilot implementation. He noted the devastating impact of illegal mining on water sources, citing the shutdown of the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant in Tarkwa due to heavy pollution.
Mr. Nelson also addressed the cross-border implications of the pollution, with contaminated water affecting neighboring countries. He called the initiative a timely solution to address the issue and urged nationwide support to ensure its success.
