The latest deployment brings to 52 the total number of Blue Water Guards assigned to operate within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, as part of a national initiative aimed at protecting Ghana’s water resources from pollution and degradation.

The Deputy Manager in charge of Community Relations at the Minerals Commission, Mr Stephen Agbo, who formally handed over the guards, said the initiative demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s rivers and other water bodies, particularly from the effects of illegal mining. He urged the guards to remain diligent in the discharge of their duties and avoid accepting or demanding inducements from illegal miners.

Mr Agbo further called on the Assembly to integrate the Blue Water Guards into its security operations to enable them to effectively monitor activities along water bodies and support efforts to control illegal mining within the metropolis.

Receiving the guards on behalf of the Metropolitan Chief Executive, the Metropolitan Coordinating Director, Mohammed Alhanssan Yakubu, expressed appreciation to the Ministry and Minerals Commission for extending the programme to the metropolis. He assured the guards of the Assembly’s institutional support and said the STMA would work closely with them and other relevant stakeholders to protect rivers and other water bodies within its jurisdiction.

Mr Yakubu also urged the guards to demonstrate discipline and professionalism in the performance of their duties, warning that the Assembly would recommend the dismissal of personnel whose conduct fell short of expectations.

A representative of the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan Constituency and Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu Danquah, also congratulated the guards and commended the initiative. She noted that protecting the country’s rivers and coastal waters was a shared responsibility, stressing the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.

The Blue Water Guards are expected to work with Metropolitan and District Assemblies, traditional authorities and local communities to monitor activities along water bodies, report illegal mining operations and educate residents on the need to protect the environment.

The deployment is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to safeguard water resources and promote environmental sustainability within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.