The First batch of 100 out of 300 River Wardens have sucessfully accomplished a 4-week intensive pre-deployment coaching course on the Eastern Naval Command in Tema on Tuesday, twenty fifth October, 2022 to organize them in offering safety to the nation’s varied river our bodies to avoid wasting them from additional destruction because of unlawful mining actions popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on the Passing out ceremony, the Deputy Minister for (*100*) and Natural Resources answerable for Mines, Hon. George Mireku Duker indicated that the primary batch of river wardens had been drawn from districts alongside the Rivers Ankobra, Bonsa and sections of Pra and Tano.
He continued that the coaching methodology was geared toward creating the swimming methods, water confidence, boat dealing with amongst others and these he stated had been achieved by way of classroom lectures, sensible demonstrations, bodily coaching and drills.
The Deputy Minister stated there is no such thing as a shred of doubt that, this passing out ceremony additional underscores authorities’s willpower to combat unlawful mining throughout the nation and construct a accountable, viable and sustainable mining trade that will probably be helpful to the state and the funding neighborhood at massive.
He alluded that the small scale mining sector is a channel by way of which the nation can construct a lot of native champions to fulfill authorities’s goal of possession enhancement within the trade.
He touted numerous different efforts authorities has put in place to mitigate the unlawful mining menace, sighting Operations Halt II, Community Mining Scheme, procurement of Gold Katcha Machines and Speed Boats and the current engagement with Chiefs and MMDAs as few examples.
Hon. Mireku Duker asserted that the statistics of Ghana’s Mining Sector contribution coupled with different indicators affirm the analogy that, small scale mining is likely one of the key drivers of the nation’s economic system which must be correctly regularized in any respect ranges of operations.
In his handle, the Deputy Mines Minister made a passionate enchantment to Ghanaians to see the combat in opposition to unlawful mining as a nationwide concern, notably to communities alongside the assorted river our bodies, who bear the brunt of those illegalities, he tasked them to be vigilant, and assist the federal government by reporting these concerned in these actions.
Congratulating the wardens, he urged them to discharge thier duties with patriotism, selflessness and integrity, including that “daunting days lie ahead of you. The temptations of bribery, greed for money and many more are likely to sway off your purpose, but I urge you to put on the armour of patriotism and above all, you are to foster peace and prosperity in the various communities through which the various river bodies flow”
He additionally applauded a few of the trainees who had been awarded for his or her distinctive efficiency in varied elements of the coaching. 6 awards got in all, starting from Best swimmer, Best boat handler, finest staff chief, Best Physical Trainee, Best in Drill, and an general finest award for all of the classes.
Hon. Duker counseled the Commanding Flag Officer, the coaching college and the instructors of the Eastern Naval Command for a job nicely executed.
The Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Commandore Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo in his welcome handle famous that this initiative by authorities is a useful addition to the numerous efforts to curb unlawful mining and hoped that the partnership will go a good distance to assist deliver a complete finish to unlawful mining in River our bodies and the overall wanton distruction of lands and pure assets of the nation.
Commandore Ayesu Kwafo stated they’re dedicated to coaching extra individuals to result in high quality of life to the individuals of Ghana, including that thr Ghana navel Command will avail itself for another trainings and collaboration within the close to future.
To the Wardens, the Commading Officer stated he’s impressed with thier dedication and dedication to the coaching expecially to the one 3 ladies within the group for his or her toughness.
He additionally challenged them to make use of each alternative to coach the individuals of their native cities of the huge results of unlawful mining and urging them to “see yourself as the nations ambassadors for clean rivers in Ghana and to do this well you must maintain your physical fitness at all times”
Also with the Deputy Minister on the Graduation ceremony was the Western Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Takoradi, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah and the Deputy Minister for Information, Hon. Faitmatu Abubakar.
The River warden coaching course types a part of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of (*100*) and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission and the Ghana Navy with the purpose of defending Ghana’s Riverbodies in opposition to unlawful mining actions
