By Abdulai Zulkaninu
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency in the Savannah Region, Hon. Yussif Sulemana, has presented eleven (11) Yamaha motorbikes to the Blue Water Guards operating in the Savannah and Upper West Regions to strengthen the fight against illegal mining and its related activities.
The motorbikes are expected to significantly improve the mobility, efficiency, and effectiveness of the Blue Water Guards as they work to protect Ghana’s rivers and other water bodies from the destructive effects of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the presentation, Hon. Yussif Sulemana underscored the devastating impact of illegal mining on the environment and public health. He noted that the pollution of rivers and streams has become a major national concern, depriving many communities of access to clean and safe drinking water.
“Illegal mining activities on our rivers and water bodies have caused severe environmental damage. Many of our water sources are polluted, making it difficult for communities to access potable water. To address this challenge, the government under President John Dramani Mahama introduced the Blue Water Guards initiative to safeguard our natural resources,” he stated.
He explained that the motorbikes will initially be supervised by the Upper West Regional Office of the Minerals Commission but will later be transferred to the Savannah Regional Minerals Commission Office upon completion of ongoing recruitment processes. This, he said, will ensure better coordination and enhanced field operations.
Hon. Yussif Sulemana commended the Blue Water Guards for their selfless dedication and commitment to duty, assuring them of continued government support. He added that the country is already witnessing positive results from their operations in protecting water bodies and curbing illegal mining activities.
On behalf of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Bole MP further disclosed plans to establish about six cooperative community mining schemes in the Bole area. These schemes, he explained, are aimed at clamping down on illegal mining while providing legal and sustainable livelihood opportunities for the youth.
He called on the media and the general public to support government efforts, stressing that the fight against illegal mining requires a collective national responsibility.
“Every citizen has a role to play in protecting our water bodies, forests, and the environment. Together, we must ensure that illegal mining becomes a thing of the past,” he emphasized.
Hon. Yussif Sulemana also warned against the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide in illegal mining, citing their serious health and environmental consequences, including water pollution and birth deformities.
Members of the Blue Water Guards, on their part, expressed gratitude to the Minister and his Deputy for the support and pledged to use the motorbikes strictly for their intended purpose in the fight against illegal mining.
The Bole Bamboi MP later made donations of over 4,000 mono desk to GES, inspect the construction of the Bole Bamboi road, Bole housing construction project, the 24hour market reconstruction process.
