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Kintampo South Inaugurates Blue Water Guards to Combat Illegal Mining

The Kintampo South District Assembly has officially inaugurated a team of Blue Water Guards, deploying young men selected from communities across the district to protect water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

Date Created : 7/20/2026 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : regions as part of the government's broader strategy to combat illegal mining and protect the nation's water resources. Rufina Yuoni/Ghanadistricts.com

The inauguration ceremony took place at Ayorya, a community heavily impacted by illegal mining activities. A high-level delegation from Kumasi and Accra, representing the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, attended the event, meeting with chiefs, stakeholders, and community members.

A Timely Intervention

District Chief Executive (DCE) for Kintampo South, Mr. Welfred Zuuri, expressed deep gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, the Lands Minister, and partner institutions for what he described as a "timely initiative" aimed at safeguarding rivers, streams, and other water resources.

"Illegal mining has polluted many rivers, destroyed farmlands, and threatened the livelihoods of countless citizens," Mr. Zuuri stated.

He emphasized that protecting water bodies is not just an environmental necessity but a matter of survival, as these resources provide drinking water, support agriculture, sustain aquatic life, and contribute to the socio-economic development of communities.

A Call for Collective Action

The DCE called on all stakeholders—traditional leaders, farmers, youth groups, civil society organizations, and security services—to join forces with the government in protecting natural resources for future generations.

"Government and its agencies alone cannot achieve this important cause," he said. "We need collective effort to preserve our environment."

Mr. Zuuri urged community members to support the Blue Water Guards by providing credible information, cooperating with authorities, and promoting responsible environmental practices. He congratulated the deployed officers and encouraged them to serve with courage, dedication, and respect for the laws of Ghana.

Community Support and Employment

Nana Gyendie, Chief of Ayorya, welcomed the government's intervention, noting that illegal mining often begins at the community level due to a lack of employment opportunities for the youth.

"We are happy with this initiative," the chief said. "Deploying young men from our communities not only protects our water bodies but also provides employment, enabling them to care for their families."

He pledged the community's full support to the Blue Water Guards, ensuring they have the necessary backing to carry out their duties effectively.

Sensitization and Nationwide Deployment

The event also featured sensitization sessions on the dangers of illegal mining, led by Mr. Steven Agbo and Mr. Ernest Okyeri from the Minerals Commission in Accra and Kumasi, along with Mr. Dela Edem, a government appointee at the Commission.

According to Mr. Dela Edem, approximately 545 Blue Water Guards have been deployed across the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo