Blue Water Guards programme failing in fight against galamsey – Manhyia North MP

The Member of Parliament for Manhyia North, Akwasi Konadu, has criticized the government's Blue Water Guards programme, calling it a failed initiative that is hampering the fight against illegal mining. In a social media post, the former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources expressed concern over the arrest of nine guards in Manso Adubia, Ashanti Region, on allegations of bribery and impersonation of National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) personnel.

Konadu argued that this incident should not be viewed in isolation but as a broader issue regarding the programme's design, supervision, and accountability.

He emphasized that the failure extends beyond these nine individuals and is indicative of deeper problems within the programme's structure. Konadu questioned the government's ongoing struggle with misconduct allegations, even after acknowledging the guards' susceptibility to bribes from illegal miners. He urged for a thorough audit of the programme, scrutinizing aspects such as recruitment, supervision, operational mandate, disciplinary procedures, and expenditure.

Konadu proposed evaluating the programme's success based on its environmental outcomes rather than the number of personnel recruited. He argued that the impact on rivers, forests, and the suppression of illegal mining should be the key indicators of the programme's effectiveness.