The initiative forms part of a nationwide campaign by the government to combat illegal mining and promote environmental sustainability.

The launch was attended by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong; the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Abdul Rahman Salam; the Community Relations Manager of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Steven Agbo, who represented the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; security personnel, traditional leaders, and members of the community.

In his welcome address, Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong said the initiative fulfilled President John Dramani Mahama's campaign promise to intensify the fight against illegal mining through the establishment of the Blue Water Guards.

He described the programme as a major step towards protecting the nation's natural resources and preserving water bodies for future generations.

According to the MCE, the initiative will help curb illegal mining activities, reduce environmental degradation, protect water bodies, and promote sustainable development within the municipality.

He reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to supporting the programme by providing the necessary logistical assistance to enable the Blue Water Guards to discharge their responsibilities effectively. He also appealed to residents, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders to cooperate with the guards to ensure the success of the initiative.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Steven Agbo said the Blue Water Guards initiative forms part of the Ministry's broader strategy under President John Dramani Mahama's administration to tackle illegal mining and safeguard the country's vital water resources.

He explained that the Blue Water Guards are made up of trained young people who will be deployed across the municipality to work closely with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to prevent environmentally destructive activities, particularly illegal mining.

The Bechem District Police Commander, ASP Michael Koole, assured participants of the Ghana Police Service's commitment to supporting the Blue Water Guards through effective security collaboration.

He urged the guards to operate professionally, strictly adhere to the law, and avoid actions that could be perceived as exceeding their mandate. He also called on community members to support both the Police Service and the Blue Water Guards in protecting the environment.

Speaking on behalf of the Omanhene of the Bechem Traditional Area, Nana Asiabour Osei Bonsu III, the Dabenghene of the Bechem Traditional Area, Nana Nkrumah Bonsu, expressed concern over the increasing destruction of the country's natural resources through illegal mining and logging.

He described the deployment of the Blue Water Guards as a timely intervention to protect the environment and preserve natural resources for future generations.

Nana Nkrumah Bonsu further appealed to the Ghana Police Service to intensify night patrols, noting that illegal miners and loggers often carry out their activities under the cover of darkness to evade security operations.

He also urged the government to involve traditional authorities in the granting of community mining licences, saying their participation would promote responsible mining practices, strengthen environmental governance, and help safeguard the country's natural resources.