The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has donated eleven (11) motorbikes to the Blue Water Guards operating in the Savannah and Upper West Regions to enhance their operations in the fight against illegal mining.
According to the Minister, the donation is aimed at improving the efficiency, mobility, and effectiveness of the Blue Water Guards as they work to protect Ghana’s water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He noted that illegal mining activities on rivers and other water bodies have become a serious national concern.
To address the situation, the government under President John Dramani Mahama introduced the Blue Water Guards initiative to safeguard the country’s natural resources.
The Minister explained that the motorbikes will initially be supervised by the Minerals Commission and later handed over to the Savannah Regional Minerals Commission office after the completion of recruitment processes to ensure proper coordination and improved field operations.
Commending the Blue Water Guards for their dedication, the Minister praised their efforts in protecting water bodies across the country. He indicated that their performance has already produced positive results.
He recounted a recent visit to the Western Region, where he observed a significant improvement in the condition of rivers previously polluted by illegal mining.
According to him, the water, which had once been heavily discoloured, is now noticeably clear due to the intervention of the task force.
To further strengthen the fight against illegal mining, the Minister announced plans to establish six cooperative community mining schemes in Bole.
These schemes are expected to provide legal and sustainable livelihood alternatives for youth who might otherwise engage in illegal mining.
He called on the media and the public to support the government’s efforts, stressing that the fight against illegal mining requires collective responsibility.
“Every citizen has a role to play in protecting our water bodies, forests, and environment. Together, we must ensure that illegal mining becomes a thing of the past,” he stated.
The Minister warned that the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide in illegal mining has severe health and environmental consequences, including water pollution and birth deformities among children.
He thanked the Minerals Commission, the Blue Water Guards, the media, and all stakeholders for their continued commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources
Source yagbonradioonline
