Mr Alex Animah, Second-in-Command of the Blue Water Guards in Wassa Amenfi East, has called on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the reported arrest of nine persons said to be members of the Blue Water Guards.
The nine individuals were reportedly arrested by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Manso Adubia in the Ashanti Region over allegations of bribery and impersonation.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Animah expressed concern that some individuals are allegedly using the name of the Blue Water Guards to extort money from persons involved in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
According to him, such conduct is against the values, principles and purpose of the Blue Water Guards, whose work is intended to support efforts to protect water bodies and fight illegal mining.
He appealed to the government and relevant authorities to provide officially recognised identification cards for members of the Blue Water Guards.
He explained that proper identification would help the public, community members, security agencies and persons working in mining areas to distinguish genuine Blue Water Guards personnel from imposters.
”The arrest of the nine Blue Water Guards is terrible news that goes against the principles, values, and guidelines of our organization. Our duties are distinct from those of NAIMOS, so if any Blue Water Guards impersonate NAIMOS officials, they must be arrested and prosecuted. We urge that this matter be investigated thoroughly. We face similar challenges in our area, where illegal miners frequently report that individuals are showing up at their sites impersonating officials from either NAIMOS or the Blue Water Guards.
To address these challenges, we appeal to the authorities to issue us official identification. Having formal ID cards will help distinguish us from impostors and curb this alarming rise in impersonation. Furthermore, we demand that those who were arrested face the full extent of the law.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
