Ghana: MP Akwasi Konadu calls for urgent review of Blue Water Guards program
Akwasi Konadu, Member of Parliament for Manhyia North and former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has urged the government to review the Blue Water Guards program. This call follows allegations of bribery and impersonation against nine members of the program, who were arrested at Manso Adubia in the Ashanti Region. Konadu stated that a program designed to protect Ghana's water bodies should not facilitate illegal mining operations. He questioned the program's expansion, noting the recruitment of an additional 452 guards, bringing the total to 2,069 across eight regions. Konadu emphasized that effectiveness, not just numbers, is crucial and called for clarity on recruitment, supervision, intelligence verification, legal powers, movement monitoring, and investigation of allegations concerning the guards. He stressed the need for tangible results rather than slogans or ceremonial launches, suggesting a radical reform or reconsideration of the program's current operation.
