Member of Parliament for Old Tafo Constituency, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has sharply criticized the government’s Blue Water Initiative, describing it as a “well-funded reality show” rather than a genuine fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
In a Facebook post, Assafuah expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the 453 personnel recently trained as water guards under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Assafuah mocked the initiative, sarcastically dubbing it the “long-awaited masterstroke” in the fight against galamsey
“the long-awaited masterstroke in the fight against galamsey: water guards! Because nothing scares illegal miners more than a few people standing by the river in reflective vests, holding clipboards”.
The MP questioned the wisdom behind the GH¢70 million budget allocated to the Blue Water Initiative, suggesting the funds are being spent on “just watching” rather than actively stopping pollution or enforcing environmental laws.
“GH¢70 million will be well spent for watching water. Not stopping pollution, not enforcing the law. Just watching…. Maybe if we clap loudly enough, the excavators will stop on their own”.
He added “Once again, the government proves it’s more committed to staging drama than delivering results”.
Despite the government’s efforts to present the initiative as a bold step forward, Assafuah insists it falls short of what is needed.
“This isn’t a fight against galamsey! It’s a well-funded reality show,” he declared, lamenting that “the rivers are still crying” as pollution and environmental degradation continue unabated.
Background:
The Blue Water Initiative, launched with much fanfare, aims to curb illegal mining by deploying personnel to monitor water bodies.
A total of 453 personnel under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ Blue Water Initiative have completed four weeks of intensive training at the Ghana Navy Forward Base at Ezilibo, in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
The trainees, referred to as Blue Water Guards, underwent a comprehensive three-phase training regimen comprising theoretical, physical, and practical components.
They are scheduled to be deployed within one week to support the Ghana Navy in safeguarding the country’s major rivers from the activities of illegal miners, commonly referred to as galamseyers.
The initial batch of 453 officers formed part of a larger deployment target of 2,000 guards. These personnel will be strategically stationed along key river bodies, including the Ankobra, Pra, Fia, Tano, and Bonsa Rivers.
Their operations will be managed by five Naval Operational Bases set up across the river systems to ensure effective surveillance and response.
Source :www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
