The Minerals Commission has started deploying 453 Blue Water Guards across seven districts in the Western Region. The goal is to protect rivers and streams from pollution caused by illegal small-scale mining.
These guards are part of a national plan to train and deploy 2,000 Blue Water Guards across Ghana. All 453 guards completed their training with the Ghana Navy on April 14, 2025. They will work closely with the Ghana Police Service and the Navy to stop illegal mining.
On May 21, 2025, 213 guards were sent to the Ellembelle District. So far, 326 guards have been posted to different parts of the region. The deployment will continue until all trained guards are in place.
Francis Annobil, the Western Regional Director of the Minerals Commission, spoke during the deployment event. He asked communities to welcome the guards and help them in their work.
“They have finished their training. Now they are ready to start working. We are showing them to you, so you know they are on official duty,” he said.
Mr. Annobil also explained that the guards will not act alone. They will report illegal mining to the police for action.
“If they see anyone mining in the forest or water, they will tell the police,” he added.
The Blue Water Guards are expected to play a big role in protecting the environment and keeping Ghana’s water bodies clean.