Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has defended the recruitment of the River Guards.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, on March 17, announced the launch of the ‘Blue Water Initiative’ and the training of the first batch of ‘River Guards’ to curb the environmental impact of illegal mining in the Western Region.
The initiative is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to restoring Ghana’s environment while rehabilitating polluted water bodies.
In an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, March 26, Armah Buah, noted that while the military and navy have been instrumental in addressing illegal mining, their permanent deployment along riverbanks is neither feasible nor sustainable.
He argued that the recruitment of ‘River Guards’ from local communities aims to provide a more enduring solution.
Addressing concerns about the capability of the ‘River Guards’ compared to armed illegal miners, Armah Buah clarified that these guards are not intended to be combatants.
“They are not soldiers, they are not police, they are not armed guards. They are being trained by the Ghana Navy. The Ghana Navy has a very clear plan. Let me say that this whole concept was really thought-out and in collaboration with the Ghana Navy.
“The plan is that they go through an intense one-month training, including swimming and other activities. The Ghana Navy don’t have the man-power to stretch themselves along the river banks. The people we have recruited are from the river banks, community areas,” he stated.
Armah Buah emphasized that the success of the ‘River Guards’ hinges on community involvement.
He added that the initiative aims to empower local populations to take an active role in protecting their environment.
“They’re going to be the ears, eyes of the Navy and the Security Forces. They are also going to be an interface between the communities, and we’re creating a structure that allows coordination. We’re also creating community members who are empowered to also educate their own community areas,” he explained.
He asserted that the fight against galamsey is not solely dependent on enforcement through arms but requires a collective change in mindset and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
“In the final analysis is that galamsey fight will be won not by guns but own minds, willingness and our hearts,” he stated.
