Lands Ministry begins recruitment for Blue Water Guards in Ashanti Eastern Central regions to fight illegal mining
The Lands Ministry has officially started recruitment of personnel for a newly formed security unit known as Blue Water Guards. The effort targets the Ashanti Eastern and Central regions as part of a strengthened national crackdown on illegal mining operations widely known as galamsey.
According to ministry officials the Blue Water Guards will be deployed to protect rivers water bodies forest reserves and other vulnerable ecosystems from destructive small-scale and unregulated mining activities. Their mandate will include enforcement of mining regulations environmental surveillance and collaboration with local communities to preserve natural resources.
Prospective recruits are being asked to submit credentials licences and documentation confirming residency within the target regions. The recruitment drive underscores the government’s commitment to uphold mining laws safeguard water quality prevent land degradation and ensure that mining does not compromise livelihoods or environmental sustainability.
The decision follows repeated reports of river pollution siltation destruction of farmland and water scarcity in areas affected by galamsey. Community leaders have welcomed the move and expressed hope that enforcement actions will deter illegal operators and protect vital water resources.
Environmental scientists assert that the initiative could significantly reduce environmental damage if accompanied by consistent enforcement, regular patrols and community education. They stress that long-term success depends on adequate funding training of guards and cooperation with traditional authorities and local stakeholders.
Critics caution that recruitment alone won’t solve the problem. They demand transparent selection processes proper equipment fair wages and judicial support to ensure guards are empowered and protected while performing their duties. Without systemic reform critics say illegal mining may resurface under new forms.
As applications open the Lands Ministry has pledged to conduct screenings publicly and to involve civil society observers to ensure transparency. Interested applicants are encouraged to register promptly. Communities await deployment eagerly, hoping that water sources forests and farmlands will finally be protected from destructive mining.
The launch of Blue Water Guards recruitment marks a significant step in Ghana’s ongoing fight against galamsey. It signals a renewed focus on environmental protection, regulatory enforcement and sustainable management of natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
