Nine members of the Blue Water Guards have been arrested at Manso Adubia in the Ashanti Region over allegations of bribery and impersonation. The arrests were made on Friday, August 21, 2026, by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
BWG Members Impersonate NAIMOS Officials
According to reports, the personnel were picked up for allegedly collecting money from individuals while posing as officials of the anti-illegal mining body. The development has triggered an internal warning to members of the Blue Water Guards, with authorities cautioning personnel against conduct that could undermine public confidence in ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining.
Professional Standards at Risk
An internal notice circulated among members of the group described the alleged conduct as a serious breach of professional standards. The notice made it clear that Blue Water Guards personnel were not authorised to assume the identity or functions of 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.
Joint Operations and Implications
The arrests come amid collaboration between NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards in the fight against illegal mining, particularly activities along water bodies and river corridors. The two groups have previously operated from the Manso Adubia operational base, conducting joint enforcement exercises aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in parts of the Ashanti Region. However, the alleged impersonation has raised concerns about the need for personnel participating in such operations to clearly distinguish their respective mandates and maintain professional standards.
What's Next
The Blue Water Guards are an essential part of the anti-illegal mining efforts in Ghana. The collaboration between NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards has been crucial in tackling the issue of illegal mining along water bodies and river corridors. The internal warning and the arrests are a clear indication that authorities are taking steps to address the issue of professionalism within the Blue Water Guards.
Source: Joy Online
