Mr Stephen Agbo, the In-charge of the Blue Water Guards of the Minerals Commission has cautioned members of the public against the practice of assaulting, threatening, or obstructing the operations of the Blue Water Guards in the country.
The Blue Water Guards is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader strategy to combat illegal mining and safeguard the nation’s vital water bodies.
He warned that anybody who assaulted, obstructed or interfered in the operations of the guards in protecting the nation’s water bodies and forest resources would be prosecuted accordingly.
Mr Agbo gave the warning when he launched the operations of the Blue Water Guards at Breme, near Bechem in the Tano South Municipality of the Ahafo Region.
He explained that the government had tasked the guards to safeguard rivers and streams as well as forest resources from illegal mining and logging.
Mr Agbo called on the community members to support the operations of the Blue Water Guards to protect the vegetative and forest covers as well as water bodies in the area.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Michael Koole, the Bechem Divisional Police Commander, emphasised the dedication of the police to support the operations of the guards in the municipality.
He said the police was ever ready to provide the guards with the required security to enable them to carry out their mandate and protect the natural resources.
Mr Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong, the Tano South Municipal Chief Executive also pledged the assembly’s commitment to supporting the government initiative for useful outcomes.
He said the assembly would also provide the guards with the required resources too.
Nana Nkrumah Bonsu, a representative of the Bechem Traditional Council, appealed to the police to intensify night patrols to curb illegal mining and logging activities in the area.
He noted that illegal miners and chainsaw operators had increasingly shifted their activities to nighttime to evade security operatives.
Nana Bonsu further urged the government to involve traditional authorities in the issuance of community mining licences to companies operating in their localities.
