Mr Darko Michael, the second-in-command of the Wassa Amenfi Central Blue Water Guards, has announced that the unit will not be taking a break during the upcoming festive season.
Instead, the guards will intensify their operations to fulfil their core mandate of combatting illegal mining (galamsey) and protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Michael emphasised that the fight against environmental destruction does not take a holiday.
“The Blue Water Guards will not be going on break. There will be no leave for any of us,” he stated. “We are intensifying our efforts to clamp down on illegal mining. We are sending a stern caution to illegal miners: desist from these activities because we will not spare you.”
Launched in March 2025, the Blue Water Guards were established specifically to protect forest reserves and restore polluted water bodies.
Mr Michael highlighted that the team is undergoing continuous specialised training—including swimming, boat handling, and advanced surveillance—to effectively monitor riverbanks and intercept illegal operations.
Since its inception, the unit has been a key pillar in supporting the government’s nationwide initiative to end galamsey.
Mr Michael reaffirmed their alignment with the Executive’s goals: “The President has expressed his commitment to this fight, and we are going to deliver. We will ensure that offenders are arrested and prosecuted.”
Addressing concerns regarding equipment, Mr Michael noted that officials have provided strong assurances that the necessary logistics and resources will be supplied to enhance their efficiency.
He also took the opportunity to debunk recent rumours, categorically denying claims that female water guards were being impregnated by illegal miners, dismissing such reports as unfounded.
Mr Michael appealed to the government to expand the programme. He urged for the training and deployment of additional water guards across all regions of the country to ensure that every major water body and forest reserve is protected from the devastating effects of illegal mining.
The Ghana Navy has collaborated with and trained the Blue Water Guards, a local initiative, to support its efforts in restoring the country’s water bodies through surveillance, intelligence gathering, and community engagement, specifically targeting the mitigation of illegal mining and pollution in rivers.
They work in tandem with local leaders to gather intelligence and disrupt mining operations, with their primary responsibility being to report to the Navy rather than engage in direct confrontations.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
