The government has intensified the fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, with the deployment of 636 additional Blue Water Guards personnel nationwide. This brings the total number of trained and deployed guards, as part of efforts to eradicate the menace, to 1,700.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources made the disclosure during the passing-out ceremony of the third batch of Blue Water Guards on Saturday, December 12, at the Ghana Navy Forward Operating Base in Ezilebo, Western Region. Speaking at the event, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, indicated that the ministry is working on diverse initiatives to ensure a lasting solution to the canker.

He added, “The Blue Water Guards have become a critical frontline force in the fight against water pollution. They are working tirelessly to disrupt illegal mining activities along our rivers and streams.”

“So far, we have trained about 1,700 Blue Water Guards across nearly seven regions. We are very proud of the pioneers who began this work. They are standing in the way of galamsey operators and making their activities increasingly difficult. We will remain resolute and continue this fight until our waters are restored.”

The President John Dramani Mahama-led administration launched the Blue Water River Guard training programme in March, aimed at protecting the country’s water bodies. Under the initiative, 2,000 young men and women will be equipped with the skills necessary to combat illegal mining and preserve Ghana’s vital rivers.

Illegal mining continues to pose a major challenge to the country, with several foreign nationals implicated and multiple arrests made. Meanwhile, President Mahama has disclosed that scientific tests are underway on new chemicals that could help restore polluted water bodies and rivers affected by galamsey.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Accra on October 3, the President said: “There are new chemicals that have come that allow you to treat water and take out the toxins and the heavy metals. One of them is called dowtine. The people came, and we sent them there. They took samples, tested. We are waiting for them to bring the results back.”

President Mahama urged patience in the long-running battle against galamsey, noting that declaring a state of emergency alone will not end the menace.

He said government advisers believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining and technologies that neutralise or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies. He also pledged to act on calls for a state of emergency if his advisers recommend it.

“While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight the illegal mining, but at the same time, let’s bring new technology that will help us protect our environment.

"Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the President acts on the advice of the National Security Authority, and as at this moment, the National Security Authority believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without declaring a state of emergency. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he added.

According to him, his government is not backing down in its fight against the longstanding menace. Despite renewed efforts, the canker continues to wreak havoc. The newly established National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force narrowly escaped death in a mob assault at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region on Saturday, November 1, during an operation that resulted in several arrests, including a Burkinabe national.

Locals were seen in a viral video confronting the NAIMOS team and demanding the release of those arrested. NAIMOS spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, described the attack as “extremely and profoundly disappointing,” saying the officials “survived clearly by the mercy of God. If you look at how ]they were charged, the rest of the team could have lost their lives.”

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been accused of inciting the mob against the NAIMOS team.

NAIMOS has been active across the country, including raids in the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region, Apemkro and Anwiafutu, and Ataso, where the team seized two excavators and destroyed water pumps and other illicit mining tools.

In the Western Region, an intelligence-led operation on October 5, 2025, saw NAIMOS demolish a notorious illegal mining base at Aboso — known as ‘Gunway’ — dismantling makeshift structures used as hideouts and drug dens, and confiscating mining equipment and quantities of hard drugs, including seven parcels of Indian hemp.

In June, NAIMOS warned criminal groups to vacate galamsey areas. Weeks ago, the Commanding Officer of NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah, signalled an imminent and aggressive crackdown on illegal miners.

“I would like to send this warning to illegal miners, their assignees and financiers that they are the first or prime enemies of the state, and they will be dealt with as such. There will be no room for them to escape or to hide. NAIMOS will smoke them out very soon. There's no resting place for them,” he said at a stakeholder engagement at the Jubilee House on October 3, 2025.