Accra: The Government is poised to strengthen water body protection against illegal mining (galamsey) through the recruitment, training, and deployment of an additional 452 Blue Water Guards, bringing total deployments across eight regions to 2,069 personnel. Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, said this when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series Press Conference held at the Presidency.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Buah emphasized efforts to enhance oversight of the small-scale mining sector, noting the registration of 4,347 earth-moving and mining equipment units at the Tema Port. Additionally, 1,864 tracking devices were installed on these pieces of equipment. He highlighted that 52 mercury pollution abatement training programs were conducted to address environmental concerns.
Mr. Buah also discussed significant progress in delivering critical infrastructure projects within mining communities. He mentioned that during the first half of 2026, the Ministry, through the Minerals Commission, successfully completed several key projects, including a 500-seater Sports Complex at Kenyasi and regional offices in Bole, Damang, Bibiani, and Akim Oda. These projects aim to enhance service delivery, promote community development, and ensure an operational presence within these mining areas.
Furthermore, Mr. Buah noted ongoing infrastructural developments, including the construction of a Seven-Storey Office Complex in Kumasi with auxiliary facilities such as modern laboratories and a museum. Other projects like the Tamale Regional Office Block, Kyebi District Office, and staff accommodation projects have reached advanced stages of completion.