Nine members of the Blue Water Guards have reportedly 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 were made on Friday, August 21, 2026, following claims that the personnel allegedly collected money from individuals while falsely presenting themselves as officials of NAIMOS.
An internal notice circulated among members of the Blue Water Guards described the alleged conduct as a serious violation of professional standards.
It warned that such actions could damage the reputation and credibility of the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining.
The notice also clarified the roles of the two groups and stressed that members of the Blue Water Guards are not authorised 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 an operational relationship between NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards, who have previously worked together in efforts to tackle illegal mining activities.
The two groups have conducted joint operations from the Manso Adubia operational base, including enforcement exercises targeting illegal mining activities along river corridors in the Ashanti Region.
Authorities have therefore urged personnel involved in anti-illegal mining operations to maintain professionalism and strictly operate within their respective mandates.
The development has raised concerns about the need for greater accountability among personnel involved in the fight against illegal mining, particularly as allegations of misconduct could undermine public confidence in enforcement operations.
