Nine Blue Water Guards arrested over alleged bribery, mpersonation of NAIMOS at Manso Adubia

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 are said to have occurred on Friday, August 21, 2026, after the personnel were allegedly accused of collecting money from individuals while posing as NAIMOS officials.

An internal notice issued to members of the Blue Water Guards described the alleged conduct as a serious violation of professional standards and warned that such actions could undermine public confidence in the government’s anti-illegal mining efforts.

The notice stressed that members of the Blue Water Guards have no authority to operate as NAIMOS personnel or represent themselves as officials of the Secretariat.

“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 collaboration between NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards in the fight against illegal mining. The two groups have previously undertaken joint enforcement operations from the Manso Adubia base, including activities targeting illegal mining along river bodies in the Ashanti Region.

Authorities have consequently urged personnel involved in anti-illegal mining operations to maintain professionalism and avoid conduct that could compromise the credibility of the programme.

The allegations against the nine individuals have yet to be tested in court. It is also unclear whether formal charges have been filed against them.