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 alleged bribery and impersonation.
The arrests were reportedly made on Friday, August 21, 2026, following allegations that the personnel collected bribes while presenting themselves as NAIMOS operatives.
An internal notice issued to members of the Blue Water Guards described the alleged conduct as a serious breach of professional standards and warned that it could damage the reputation of the anti-illegal mining programme.
The notice stressed that Blue Water Guards personnel are not authorised to operate as, or represent themselves as, NAIMOS officials.
“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 development comes against the backdrop of operational collaboration between NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards. The two groups have previously conducted joint anti-illegal mining operations from the Manso Adubia operational base, including enforcement activities targeting illegal mining along river corridors in the Ashanti Region.
Authorities have cautioned all personnel to maintain professionalism and refrain from activities that could undermine the credibility of the programme.
The allegations against the nine arrested personnel have not yet been established in court, and it is not immediately clear whether formal charges have been filed against them.
