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453 Trainees Graduate as Blue Water Guards at Ezinlibo Under Government’s Blue Water Initiative
453 Trainees Graduate as Blue Water Guards at Ezinlibo Under Government’s Blue Water Initiative
April 14, 2025, The Western Naval Command hosted the graduation ceremony for the first batch of the Blue Water Guards at Ezinlibo in the Western Region. This marked the successful completion of the first batch of the guards under the Blue Water Guard Initiative under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Minerals Commission.
The sector Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), conducted an inspection of the parade mounted in his honour. The Minister stated that the dexterity and spectacular display during the drills by the recruits indicated the level of discipline they had acquired during the four-week training at the Naval Base. He highlighted that the trainees had been drawn from the catchment areas of the riverine communities and have been equipped with essential skills including physical endurance, basic arms handling, combat techniques, survival swimming, watermanship, and boat operations. The Minister admonished them to be the eyes, ears, and frontline defenders of their communities and urged them not to fail in this fight against the wanton destruction of our water bodies, on which our very lives depend.
The Minister warned illegal miners, saying, “I would like to serve a caution to the perpetrators of this dastardly act to stop. Especially, the financiers and faceless individuals engaging in galamsey on our river bodies. Culprits shall be dealt with severely. I respectfully implore each and every Ghanaian to be a Water Guard Volunteer or ambassador in your communities.”
Hon. Buah commended the Naval Base Commanders for the rigorous selection process, and equipping the recruits with relevant skills. He also highlighted a gamut of measures to be rolled out by the Ministry to tackle the menace of galamsey. “To strengthen this initiative, additional speedboats, patrol vehicles, and motorbikes will be procured, enabling the extension of the Blue Water Guards program to the Central, Eastern, Ashanti, Bono, and Savannah regions. Beyond safeguarding our environment, this initiative will create 2,000 direct jobs, empowering Ghanaians while securing our natural heritage,” Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah opined.
The Minister intimated that Ghana generated approximately $4.6 billion from small-scale gold exports in 2024, highlighting the need to expand operations into medium and large-scale mining ventures. He said the Ghana Navy has established Temporary Operation Bases (TOBs) along major rivers in the Western Region, such as Ankobra, Fia, Bonsa, and Downstream Pra, to serve as an immediate and rapid response force to deal with miscreants on the rivers. “You will operate in teams strategically positioned along designated sectors for effective command and control. Daily situational reports, weekly summaries, and quarterly evaluations will be channeled through the Ghana Navy to the Minerals Commission and the Ministry, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement,” he admonished the graduands.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur (MP), emphasized the critical role of fish in providing 60% of animal protein for citizens and its significance in livelihoods. She raised concerns about the increasing depletion of fish stocks in the sea and ocean and the loss of indigenous fish stock, stressing the need for clean water for aquaculture as part of the government’s initiative. Hon. Arthur urged the recruits to perform their duties with integrity, avoid bribery, and protect water bodies, becoming ambassadors for the President’s resetting agenda. “Go and do a good job, don’t accept bribes, and become part of the problem. Go and protect the water bodies and become ambassadors for resetting Ghana,” she admonished.
In his closing remarks, Awulae Attibrukusu III, Paramount Chief of Lower Axim, thanked everyone for their support and expressed his pride in serving as Chairman for the momentous occasion. He urged the trainees to be faithful to their mandate of protecting water bodies and becoming good stewards for Ghana.
Government-Committed-to-Reforming-Small-Scale Mining-Minister Assures-Minerals-Commission-Staff
Government Committed to Reforming Small-Scale Mining, Minister Assures Minerals Commission Staff
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforming the small-scale mining sector. During his maiden visit to the Commission on April 7, 2025, the Minister emphasized the need for stronger regulations, community engagement, and sustainable practices to combat illegal mining and revitalize the industry.
The Minister called for an overhaul of the licensing regime and a review of the outdated 2014 mining policy. He proposed that prospecting licences should be granted exclusively to government agencies like the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to lead geological investigations. Hon. Buah advocated for the decentralization of small-scale mining registration and recommended a “bottom-up approach” to the licensing process. He commended Mr. Ayisi for his exemplary leadership, particularly the significant expansion at the Regional and District levels of the Commission. He highlighted enhanced collaboration with agencies like the Environmental Protection Authority, Water Resources Commission, Traditional Authorities, and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to improve the registration process. As part of the broad strategy to reform the mining sector, Hon. Buah said the government intends to sanction MMDCEs whose communities are involved in illegal mining based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to be set.
He further mentioned that enhancing oversight and community involvement requires the deployment of drones and advanced technology to monitor mining activities and track compliance in real-time. There is a need to ensure sustainable and responsible mining practices so that local communities and the state continue to benefit from mining while protecting the environment.
The Minister also engaged with staff and addressed concerns relating to the mining sector, such as policies to deal with illegal mining, the licensing approval process, and staff welfare, among others.
Mr. Martin Kweku Ayisi, CEO of MINCOM, welcomes Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to the Commission
On Monday, April 7, 2025, Mr. Martin Kweku Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission, welcomed Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, to the Commission. This meeting was the maiden and formed part of the Minister’s working visit to engage with the management and staff of the Commission.
The CEO warmly welcomed the Minister and his entourage, expressing his excitement at the privilege of hosting the team. Mr. Ayisi briefed the gathering on the general overview of the mining sector’s performance in the Ghanaian economy. He highlighted that gold alone contributed about USD11.5 billion in export revenue as of December 2024, with 40% coming from small-scale mining.
During the staff durbar held in honour of Hon. Buah, issues pertaining to staff welfare, sanitizing small-scale mining activities, and reforming the licensing regime, among others, were discussed. The Minister assured management and staff of his commitment to ensuring that mining is conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner. He emphasized the need for collective effort and alignment with the government to achieve the Ministry’s mandate of resetting the mining sector and tackling the environmental dangers posed by illegal mining activities.
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400 River Guards Recruited to Boost Ecological Conservation in Western Region
Monday, March 17, 2025, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and Member of Parliament for the Ellembelle Constituency, inaugurated the Blue River Guards. The ceremony took place at the Naval Base, Ezinlibo in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Support Services at the Minerals Commission, stated that the Blue Water Initiative aims to rehabilitate polluted water sources and transform affected areas into hubs of ecological and economic recovery. Mr. Anyimah emphasized that “Today’s gathering is not just a ceremony; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that our rivers-our-lifelines are under threat”. He noted that the inauguration of the Blue River Guards marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to sustainably preserve its natural resources for both present and future generations. He encouraged the Blue River Guards to be dedicated to duty and adhere to the training protocols. Highlighting the role of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Anyimah said, “We are to provide regulatory support, technical guidance, and oversight to ensure the Blue River Guard programme succeeds.”
The Minister, Hon. Buah, emphasized that the Blue River Guards are a crucial component of the Blue Water Initiative. Hon. Buah, admonished the beneficiaries to remain committed to protecting Ghana’s water bodies from pollution arising from the activities of illegal mining. He stressed that the Blue Water Initiative of President John Dramani Mahama, is spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology. This collaboration is expected to restore the river and water bodies from the menace of illegal mining. Hon. Buah mentioned that the goal is to recruit and train 2,000 Blue River Guards who will serve as the lifeguards and defenders, protecting and monitoring the health of the river bodies. He further stated that “this initiative is part of the government’s social contract with the citizens of Ghana” and bemoaned the turbidity levels of water bodies, reaching alarming proportions, endangering citizens wellbeing and aquatic lives. The Minister called on all stakeholders to join the fight against the pollution of the river bodies, the depletion of forests cover, and degradation of the environment.
On his part, the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, commended Hon. Buah for undertaking this initiative and pledged to support the successful rollout of the Blue River Guards programme, as it will play a vital role in monitoring and protecting rivers from environmental threats.
Commodore Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo, Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, expressed joy and emphasized that collective effort is required to combat environmental degradation. He praised the Minerals Commission for the support and urged the 400 recruited Blue River Guards to work hard, discharge their duties with honesty and dedication, and protect Ghana’s water bodies and forest areas.
In his closing remarks, Awulae Agyevi Kwame, Paramount Chief of Nsein Traditional Area, expressed excitement about the initiative and highlighted the need for citizens to rally behind the Ministry to resolve the menace of environmental degradation.
From-Degradation-to-Restoration-Story-of-Reclaimed-Lands-at-Adansi-Fomena-and-Dompoase-In-Ashanti-Region
From Degradation To Restoration: Story Of Reclaimed Lands At Adansi Fomena And Dompoase In Ashanti Region
March 4, 2025, the Minerals Commission organised handing over ceremonies at Adansi Fomena and Dompoase, aimed at the restoration of devastated mined out lands at selected communities in Adansi South District Assembly in the Ashanti Region.
In total, eight reclaimed sites across three locations covering 160.33 hectares (approximately 396.18 acres) of degraded lands was restored. The locations are Domeabra I & II, Adansi Kenya I, II & III at Adansi Fomena, and Nkrankese I, II & III at Dompoase.
The colourful events were held at the palaces of the Paramount Chiefs who chaired the function and accepted full responsibility of the reclaimed lands as custodians. In attendance were the District Coordinating Directors of the beneficiary Assemblies who pledged their support to ensuring that these lands are protected from devastation.
The events were climaxed with the signing of Project Handover Attestation document to officially return the lands to the Chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities.
Reclaimed and Restored-Twifo Atti Morkwa Lands Handed Over to Communities
Reclaimed and Restored-Twifo Atti Morkwa Lands Handed Over to Communities
A handing-over ceremony of reclaimed mined-out lands took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Twifo Atti Morkwa in the Central Region. The ceremony was held at the palace of the paramount Chief, Oseadieyo Kwesi Kenin IV, who was represented by Nana Kyeahene Afari II, the Adontihene.
The land reclamation project was initiated by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) through the Minerals Commission. The project aimed to restore lands degraded by illegal mining activities. A total of 63 hectares (which approximates to 155.67 acres) of reclaimed lands have been revegetated with oil palm and economic tree species to promote ecological balance and offer sustainable economic benefits to the Kotokyi, Gyeaware I & II, and surrounding communities
The Minerals Commission’s team, led by Mr. Ibrahim Assani, Director of Human Resource and Administration, urged the Chiefs and community leaders to take ownership and responsibility for protecting the reclaimed lands for future generations.
Mr. Steven Agbo, Deputy Manager responsible for Community Relations at the Commission, provided a comprehensive overview of the reclamation project. He highlighted the Commission’s dedication to rehabilitating degraded lands and promoting eco-friendly mining practices. Mr. Agbo emphasized the need for the community to unite and preserve their forest and river bodies against the harmful effects of illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey.
Mr. Awal Suhuyini, District Coordinating Director of the District Assembly, expressed his gratitude for the initiative. He pledged to ensure the reclaimed lands are put to judicious use for the benefit of the communities.
In his closing remarks, the Adontihene, Nana Kyeahene Afari II, praised the honor done to his community through this reclamation. He pledged the Chiefs’ commitment to ensuring the reclaimed lands are protected from destruction.
As a show of goodwill and public gesture, a Project Handover Attestation document was signed by the Minerals Commission, the Paramount Chief, and the District Assembly. The document provided a comprehensive overview of the entire reclamation activities and was presented to their representatives.
The successful reclamation of mined-out lands in the Twifo Atti Morkwa District marks a significant step towards environmental restoration and sustainable development.
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MINERALS COMMISSION CEO ENGAGES UNITED STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND INVESTORS
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, on the sidelines of Investing in African Mining Indaba, Minerals Commission CEO, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, discussed progress in Ghana’s mining sector. This took place during an industry intel session, under the auspices of The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, focusing on technical cooperation and scientific collaboration between select US government agencies, private sector innovators, and their African counterparts.”
At a private roundtable dubbed “Technical Frontiers and Innovations in Mining Science for the Clean Energy Transition: Examining US-Africa Collaborations”, Mr. Ayisi advocated for the need for increased collaboration in knowledge and technology transfer between African mineral-rich countries, the US government, and American private sector innovators. He highlighted Ghana’s diverse mineral resources and noted that the lack of a centralized geological database hinders the development of mining projects. Mr. Ayisi also stressed the importance of advanced exploration technologies to provide comprehensive geological data on Ghana’s mineral wealth. Furthermore, he expressed concern about the ‘dig-and-dump’ culture prevalent among artisanal small-scale miners.
Mr. Ayisi indicated that as a means of securing sustainable knowledge and skills exchange, the Minerals Commission is sponsoring sixty (60) staff members to specialize in various mining courses at renowned universities worldwide, including Colorado School of Mines, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology, all in the US. This he intimated is critical in building the capacity of the Commission to effectively discharge its regulatory authority in the ever-growing and evolving mining industry.
Mr. Ayisi also admonished investors to prioritize mineral processing in response to the emerging policy shift of Ghanaian government for value addition to all the country’s mineral resources. The mineral beneficiation policy of Ghana is aimed at enabling the country harness the full potentials and benefits of its natural resources.
In attendance was the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Sulemanu Koney and the Manager of Corporate Affairs & IT at the Minerals Commission, Dr. Ahmed Tijani
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AFRICAN MINING DEVELOPMENT CENTER (AMDC)-AU, PANEL DISCUSSION.
During the Africa Mining Indaba taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, took part in a panel discussion on the theme, “Advancing Green Technologies, Energies and Information in Africa: A Collaborative Approach.”
In his remarks, Mr. Ayisi emphasized the significant role of lithium in the dialogue surrounding clean energy and the transition to sustainable practices. He also underscored the importance for resource-rich African nations to explore various strategies for managing emerging and transition minerals.
Using Ghana’s sole lithium mining agreement with Barari DV Ghana Limited as an example, Mr. Ayisi elaborated on Ghana’s innovative approach. He noted that, beyond generating fiscal revenue, the mining leaseholder is mandated to construct a processing facility for value addition, which he reckon could generate additional employment opportunities in the value chain of the mineral.
Furthermore, Mr. Ayisi underscored the necessity for Ghanaian involvement and share ownership and highlighted the shareholding participation of the country’s mining sector sovereign wealth fund, known as the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF). He also indicated that the mineral royalty rate of 5% has been increased to 10% in the lithium mining agreement.
Mr. Ayisi urged resource-rich African countries to strengthen collaboration as they seek to adopt new approaches in light of ongoing discussions regarding transition minerals.
Minerals-Commission-Hands-Over-Reclaimed-Lands-to-Nananom-in-Ashanti-Region
Minerals Commission Hands Over Reclaimed Lands to Nananom in Ashanti Region
On Monday, December 30, 2024, the management of Minerals Commission led by Mr. Samuel Yevu Tika, Deputy CEO, Small-Scale and Industrial Minerals, officially handed over seven reclaimed sites which had been previously degraded by illegal mining activities to the Chiefs and people of Asiwa, Beposo, Adakabunso 1 & 2, Yapeesa Kokoben, Anyinase, Odumasi and surrounding communities in the Ashanti Region.
The colourful durbar was hosted at the forecourt of the Bosome Freho District Assembly. In his opening remarks, Hon. Kofi Adu Amoateng, DCE of Bosome Freho expressed gratitude to the Board and Management of the Commission for this initiative to restore degraded lands and hand over to the Chiefs who are the custodians of these ancestral lands. He emphasized the importance of such a gesture and was hopeful these reclaimed lands will be put to productive use for the benefit on the people and communities. Hon. Amoateng applauded the great work done by the Consultant and the Contractor and admonished the Chiefs and people to protect these revegetated sites and charged them to resist any unlawful activities like galamsey which had destroyed farmlands and polluted water bodies.
The lead consultant, Mr. Thomas Kojo Tsiboe-Darko, gave a brief overview of the reclamation project which commenced in October 2021. He reported that the project succeeded in restoring about 159.31 hectares of devastated lands located within the seven communities and cultivated economic trees like teak, acacia and mahogany. He stressed that the “completion of this journey to reclaiming lands destroyed by unsafe mining activities is an endeavour that represents a commitment to ecological recovery and sustainable development, an inspiring testament to what we can achieve when we are united by a common purpose”. Mr. Tsiboe-Darko acknowledged the efforts of all partners and remarked “have been co-creators in the reclamation and restoration processes”. He commended Ghire Company Ltd, the contractor, for exhibiting high professional work ethics during the life of the project.
In a speech delivered by Mr. Samuel Yevu Tika, on behalf of Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, he expressed appreciation to the Chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities for their unflinching support and collaboration during the implementation of the project cumulating in a successful completion and handing over. He stated that even though reclamation marks the end of mine closure, it presents opportunity to heal the earth, to transform disturbed landscapes back into thriving vegetation, ecosystems, and to create spaces that our communities can benefit for generations to come. Mr. Tika also mentioned that the Minerals Commission has so far reclaimed about 493 hectares of devastated lands in the Ashanti, Western North and Central Regions. He encouraged all and sundry to come together to “redefine the legacy of mining by transforming past disturbances into opportunities for renewal and growth”.
Present at the event were Hon. Joseph Kwaku Nayan, DCEO (Support Services), Mr. Nelson Ahedor, Director, Small Scale and Industrial Minerals and other officials from the Minerals Commission. Dignitariestaries from the beneficiary traditional councils, district assemblies, and district police commander were there to grace the occasion.
During the ribbon cutting and handing over of the lands to the Chiefs, Nana Korteabofour Dom ll, the representative of the Kokofumanhene, expressed his joy and satisfaction with the Government under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Minerals Commission for achieving this monumental feat which has restored depleted lands and revived farming activities in these communities. Nananom pledged to support the restoration of degraded lands and collaborate with all stakeholders for the conservation and development of their communities for future generations yet unborn.
