Minerals Commission Deploys Blue Water Guards to Protect Water Bodies in Wassa Japa
In a renewed effort to curb illegal mining and protect vital water bodies, the Minerals Commission, under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has deployed ten specially trained Blue Water Guards to the Wassa Japa enclave in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality.
The deployment forms part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable mining practices while preserving Ghana’s natural water resources. The Blue Water Guards, trained by the Ghana Navy, are tasked with patrolling riverbanks, conducting surveillance, and reporting illegal mining activities, particularly those impacting rivers.
The initiative will be extended to other areas in the Western Region, including Prestea, Huni-Valley, and Simpa in the Prestea Huni-Valley and Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipalities.
At a community sensitization forum held in Japa, Mr. Steven Agbo, a Social Scientist at the Minerals Commission, emphasized that the Blue Water Guards were not deployed to intimidate or harm residents but to assist in addressing the harmful effects of illegal mining on rivers and the environment.
“These guards are a specialized team commissioned by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to protect our water bodies and related environmental resources,” he said. He warned that any person who obstructs or attacks the Water Guards in the course of their duty would face the full force of the law.
Mr. Agbo called on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives, as well as local security councils, to support effective coordination among security agencies to enhance the success of the initiative. He also urged the guards to remain ethical and professional in their operations.
Mr. Francis Annobil Junior, Western Regional Manager of the Minerals Commission, appealed to stakeholders—chiefs, traditional leaders, assembly members, religious leaders, and the public—to fully support the initiative. He noted that collective action is essential to conserving water bodies and natural resources for future generations.
The initiative was met with broad endorsement from the local leadership. Member of Parliament for the area, Mr. Nicholas Amankwah, and Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Raymond Nana Ebbah, commended the Commission and the Ministry for the intervention and pledged their support.
Nana Kwabena Asare II, Chief of Assin Breku, speaking on behalf of Nana Atta Baah, Chief of Wassa Japa, also expressed the traditional authority’s commitment to protecting lands and rivers in the area.
The Minerals Commission delegation, along with the MP, MCE, and other government officials, also engaged small-scale miners to address concerns and pledged to work toward resolving challenges facing legal mining operations in the area.
GNA
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