138 Blue Water Guards Deployed in Bole-Bamboi to Tackle Galamsey Threat to Rivers
More than 130 community guards have been inaugurated in Bole and Bamboi in the Savannah Region to help curb illegal mining activities, locally known as galamsey, that threaten Ghana’s rivers and water resources.
The 138 officers, known as Blue Water Guards, are part of a national initiative by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources under President John Dramani Mahama’s government to strengthen local enforcement against the destruction of river ecosystems by illegal miners.
The recruits, drawn from communities along major rivers in the region, underwent four weeks of intensive training that covered environmental surveillance, boat handling, rescue swimming, and basic combat skills. The programme is designed to equip them to monitor and respond quickly to illegal mining activities in remote water zones.
Officials from the Minerals Commission will continue to provide technical guidance to ensure that all legal mining operations comply with environmental standards, according to Stephen Agbo, the officer in charge of the Blue Water Guards.
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yussif Sulemana, who supervised the inauguration, cautioned the new guards against corruption and bribery. He stressed that any officer caught colluding with illegal miners would face strict legal consequences.
He also urged the guards to coordinate closely with the Police and Military to ensure that foreign and local groups involved in galamsey are flushed out of water bodies in the Bole District.
“Your mission is to protect Ghana’s water sources,” Mr. Sulemana said. “You may face threats and temptations, but remember you are serving the nation. If you cannot withstand the pressure, this assignment is not for you.”
Illegal mining continues to pose a major challenge to Ghana’s environment, with rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin suffering severe pollution from mercury and siltation. According to the Water Resources Commission, over 60% of Ghana’s river systems are at risk of contamination from small-scale mining.
The Savannah Region, which is home to several tributaries of the Black Volta, has increasingly become a hotspot for illegal mining in recent years, threatening both aquatic life and local communities that depend on these rivers for drinking water and agriculture.
The deployment of the Blue Water Guards reflects Ghana’s renewed focus on community-based environmental protection. By empowering local youth to safeguard their natural resources, authorities hope to promote sustainable livelihoods and preserve clean water sources for future generations.
Environmental experts, however, emphasize that enforcement alone is not enough — sustained public education and alternative employment for young people in mining communities are equally vital to ending galamsey.
As the Blue Water Guards begin operations in Bole-Bamboi, their effectiveness will depend on consistent oversight, logistical support, and community cooperation. Their success could serve as a model for other regions facing similar environmental threats.
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