Lands minister inaugurates Blue Water Guards for three regions

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has commissioned Blue Water Guards for Ashanti region, Central region and Eastern region to support NAIMOS and other state security to combat illegal mining (galamsey).

Over 636 energetic youth were trained at Ezilinbo Naval Base Training Center in Jomoro Municipality of the Western region.

So far, 1,700 energetic youth have been trained as Blue Water Guards in seven regions in Ghana.

The colorful ceremony took place at Ezilinbo Naval Base Training Center on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

The commissioning of the Blue Water Guards’ third badge marks a significant milestone in the unit’s growth and operational readiness.

The ceremony honors the dedication, training, and service of its members, symbolizing their commitment to fighting illegal mining on our water bodies and upholding the Guards’ core values of vigilance, discipline, and unity.

The third badge stands as a testament to strengthened capability, continuity of service, and the enduring responsibility entrusted to the Blue Water Guards.

Addressing the Blue Water Guards, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, urged them to think about Ghana first.

"In spirit of the young pioneer, you are going to dedicate yourselves to standing up for what is right", he said.

"I can't tell you this, you are going to be tempted everyday, people will try to compromise you - you have come to galamsey site so take some money and allow us to work to destroy water bodies but I want you to reminding yourselves in every minute that you are the only hope we have and if you are compromised who will keeps the post, who guards?", he stated.

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah added "We will continue to support you, we will do everything possible to provide you with logistics. You must remain vigilant, this demands high level of integrity", he said.

He commended the youth who were recruited first and urged the new ones to emulate from them.

"We are proud of the pioneers who started the work, they are making lives uncomfortable for galamseyers and we know you are going to Ashanti region, Central region and Eastern region to work closely with the Ghana Navy, NAIMOS and the Police Service to give them help", he emphasised.

"I'm happy to announce that we have worked closely with the Minerals Commission and have procured 1,000 motorbikes for the Blue Water Guards", he disclosed.

"We believe that this fight we will win, we will win because of you, the people of Ghana are counting on you and we believe that God will protect you in this fight", he said.

"Let me state that so far we had trained almost 1,700 Blue Water Guards for seven regions in Ghana", he concluded.

The Ashanti regional minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene commended the Lands and Natural Resources Minister for dedicating his time and life to lead the fight against galamsey menace in the country.

He promised to offer his support for the Blue Water Guards in his region to work comfortably.