Armah-Kofi Buah proposes water guards to replace military in fight against galamsey on waterbodies

President John Mahama's nominee for Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has proposed a bold new strategy to combat the growing menace of illegal mining, locally known as 'galamsey.' 

His plan includes introducing water guards as a specialised force to protect Ghana’s rivers and water bodies.  

Appearing before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on January 27, Armah-Kofi Buah emphasised that the current practice of deploying military personnel for this purpose is both costly and unsustainable.  

As an alternative, he proposed the creation of water guards, a permanent, trained team specifically tasked with safeguarding the country’s natural resources, particularly its forests and water bodies.  

While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies under previous administrations, Armah-Kofi Buah noted that military interventions in illegal mining hotspots have yielded only temporary results.  

"The military's deployment is not a long-term solution. They have played an important role, but we need a more efficient, enduring strategy. The condition of our rivers today speaks volumes about the urgent need for change. The military would clear the area, and for a while, the rivers would be protected. But after just six months, the situation would return to where it started," said Armah-Kofi Buah.  

He argued that water guards, similar to forest guards, could serve as a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to the problem.  

“We need to think outside the box. Instead of relying on the military, we can establish a dedicated, well-trained team of water guards. These individuals will play a crucial role in preserving the future of our country,” he explained.  

In addition to the water guard proposal, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah outlined his broader vision for sustainable natural resource management and transparency in his vetting. His approach suggests a shift towards a proactive and environmentally sustainable model for tackling the challenges posed by illegal mining.  

If confirmed, his leadership is expected to herald a new direction for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding Ghana’s vital natural resources for future generations.  

The Parliamentary Appointments Committee is expected to deliberate on his nomination in the coming days.