The Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi and Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Alhaji Yussif Sulemana, has donated 11 motorbikes to Blue Water Guards operating in the Savannah and Upper West regions to strengthen the fight against illegal mining on Ghana’s water bodies.
Speaking at a brief handover ceremony at his residence in Bole on February 2, 2026, Hon. Sulemana said the motorbikes were provided on behalf of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to enhance the operational efficiency of the Blue Water Guards, particularly along the Black Volta and other affected water bodies.
He recalled that the government had, months earlier, deployed Blue Water Guards across the country to protect water bodies from illegal miners, including foreign nationals, whose activities continue to degrade rivers and forest reserves. He stressed that the government’s position remains firm that mining in water bodies and forest reserves is strictly prohibited.
According to the Deputy Minister, the motorbikes would be distributed based on the concentration of Blue Water Guards and the intensity of illegal mining activities in the affected areas. He emphasized government’s commitment to restoring polluted rivers and degraded forests for the benefit of future generations.
Hon. Sulemana commended the Blue Water Guards for their dedication, noting that evidence from their operations shows active patrols, seizure and destruction of illegal mining equipment, and collaboration with relevant institutions such as the Minerals Commission and security agencies. He cited improvements in the condition of some rivers, including the Ankobra River in the Western Region, as proof that the intervention is yielding results.
He called on traditional authorities, the media, and the general public to support the fight against illegal mining, stressing that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility. He warned that the use of chemicals such as mercury and cyanide in illegal mining has serious health consequences, including birth defects, and must be addressed urgently.
Touching on concerns about livelihoods, the Deputy Minister assured the youth in the area that government would soon roll out six cooperative mining schemes to promote responsible and legal mining. He said beneficiaries would be issued certificates and supported to engage in sustainable mining practices, appealing for patience as the process nears completion.
On the management of the motorbikes, Hon. Sulemana said they would initially be supervised by the Water Resources Commission (WRC) offices, and subsequently by the Minerals Commission, once a new office in Bole becomes operational. He disclosed that arrangements would be made for regular maintenance and warned that the motorbikes must be used strictly for official duties and not for personal activities.
He expressed gratitude to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, the media, and all stakeholders supporting the fight against illegal mining, reaffirming government’s resolve to protect Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.
Source: nkilgifm.com
