A total of 453 personnel under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources' Blue Water Guard Initiative have passed out after completing a four-week intensive training programme at the Ghana Navy Forward Operating Base at Ezilibo, located in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.

The passing-out ceremony, held earlier today, marked a significant milestone in the government’s renewed fight against illegal mining, particularly on Ghana’s major rivers.

Addressing the new recruits, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced that the newly trained Blue Water Guards will be deployed within a week along critical river bodies, including the Ankobra, Pra, Fia, Tano, and Bonsa.

Their operations will be coordinated by five Naval Operational Bases to be established along these rivers, ensuring strategic coverage and rapid response capabilities.

“Today marks a new dawn in our relentless fight against illegal mining activities plaguing our water bodies,” the Minister declared.

“But let me be unequivocal—your mandate does not include direct engagement with illegal miners.

Your duty is to observe, report, and escalate any threats or confrontations to the Ghana Navy Riverine Command Centres expeditiously.”

He emphasised discipline, warning that any breach of the signed Code of Conduct would be met with stiff sanctions.

“The task before you is sacred; the future of our water bodies depends on your discipline and vigilance,” he added.

The Minister also outlined the operational scope of the initiative, noting that the Blue Water Guards will serve as an early warning mechanism, supporting surveillance and deterrence efforts under the operational command of the Ghana Navy Riverine Units.

Temporary Operational Bases (TOBs) have been set up along targeted rivers to ensure swift intervention. Operations will include coordinated boat patrols, road surveillance, and intelligence sharing with other security agencies. Daily situation reports and regular evaluations will be submitted to the Minerals Commission and the Ministry to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

Mr. Buah further disclosed plans to expand the programme to a total of 2,000 guards and extend coverage to other regions, including Central, Eastern, Ashanti, Bono, and Savannah.

Additional resources—including speedboats, patrol vehicles, and motorbikes—will also be procured.

“Beyond protecting our environment, this initiative is also a job creation strategy—2,000 direct jobs for Ghanaians.

We are empowering citizens while protecting our natural heritage,” he said.

The Minister sent a stern warning to illegal mining financiers and called on all Ghanaians, especially traditional leaders, to support the fight.

“To the financiers and faceless individuals behind these destructive acts: desist immediately!

The full force of the law awaits you. And to every Ghanaian, become a Water Guard Volunteer in your community.

Report suspicious activities. Together, we can defeat this existential threat,” he urged.

Deputy Minister of Defence,  Brogya Gyamfi, assured the new personnel of the Ministry’s full backing but cautioned them against overstepping their mandate.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development,  Emelia Arthur, lauded the Blue Water Guard Initiative and urged the guards to stay committed to their responsibilities to help safeguard Ghana’s fisheries resources.

The 453 Blue Water Guards underwent intensive training in physical endurance, arms handling, combat techniques, survival swimming, watermanship, and boat operations to prepare them for their duties ahead.