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Nine members of the Blue Water Guards have been arrested by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Manso Adubia in the Ashanti Region over allegations of bribery and impersonation.
The arrests, which reportedly took place on Friday, August 21, 2026, followed claims that the personnel allegedly collected bribes while posing as officials of NAIMOS.
An internal notice circulated among members of the Blue Water Guards described the alleged actions as a serious violation of professional standards, warning that such conduct could undermine the reputation of the government’s anti-illegal mining campaign.
The notice further clarified that members of the Blue Water Guards have no mandate to operate as NAIMOS officials or represent themselves as such.
“All guards are hereby cautioned to desist from such acts and remain professional. No BWG is authorised to act as NAIMOS,” the notice stated.
The arrests come amid ongoing operational cooperation between NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards in the fight against illegal mining.
The two groups have previously undertaken joint operations from the Manso Adubia operational base, particularly targeting illegal mining activities along river corridors in the Ashanti Region.
Authorities have therefore urged personnel involved in anti-illegal mining operations to uphold professional standards and avoid conduct that could compromise public confidence in the programme.
However, the allegations against the nine individuals have not been proven in court. It is also unclear whether they have been formally charged.