President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Henry Kwadwo Boateng, has reiterated calls for the declaration of a state of emergency as Ghana continues to grapple with illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
His comments come after the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, launched the Blue Water River Guard training program.
This initiative is part of the Blue Water Initiative, which aims to equip 2,000 Ghanaian youth with the necessary skills to protect the country’s river bodies.
In an interview with Adom News, Mr. Boateng emphasized that while the water guards will play a crucial role in the future, their services are not immediately needed.
He stated that the guards will only be required once illegal miners are cleared from the water bodies.
He also suggested that declaring a state of emergency would help address the growing threats to water resources, stressing that protecting the nation’s water supply is critical for the well-being of Ghanaians.
Engineer Boateng added that President John Mahama must act decisively to avoid disappointing Ghanaians, underlining the urgency of safeguarding the country’s water systems.
Meanwhile, the first phase of the Blue Water program will see 400 young men and women undergo intensive training by the Ghana Navy Riverine Command, under the supervision of the Minerals Commission, to combat illegal mining activities on water bodies.
Speaking at the launch in Ezinlibo, Jomoro Municipality, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, emphasized the significance of the initiative in the fight against illegal mining.
He urged the recruits to take their responsibilities seriously, stating, “The protection of our river bodies is being entrusted to you. You cannot afford to be complacent or irresponsible in the discharge of your duties.”
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