Blue Water Guards Scandal: 9 Arrested in Bribery and Impersonation All

Nine members of the Blue Water Guards (BWG) have reportedly 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).

Arrests Spark Warning to Blue Water Guards Personnel

The arrests have 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. An internal notice circulated among members of the group described the alleged conduct as a serious breach of professional standards and warned that such actions could tarnish the reputation of the anti-illegal mining programme.

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. The warning comes as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professional standards in the fight against illegal mining.

Collaboration Between NAIMOS and Blue Water Guards

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. This partnership is crucial in addressing the complex issue of illegal mining in the region.

The collaboration between NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards has raised concerns about the need for personnel participating in such operations to clearly distinguish their respective mandates and maintain professional standards. The alleged impersonation has brought attention to the importance of transparency and accountability in the fight against illegal mining. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the partnership between the two groups.

Implications for the Fight Against Illegal Mining

The incident has significant implications for the fight against illegal mining in the region. The collaboration between NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards has been crucial in addressing the issue, but the alleged impersonation has raised concerns about the need for greater transparency and accountability. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professional standards in the fight against illegal mining.

The Ashanti Region has been a hotspot for illegal mining activities, with many communities affected by the practice. The collaboration between NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards has been a key component in addressing the issue, but the alleged impersonation has brought attention to the need for greater accountability. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the fight against illegal mining in the region.

The incident highlights the complexity of the issue of illegal mining in the region. The collaboration between NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards has been a crucial component in addressing the issue, but the alleged impersonation has brought attention to the need for greater transparency and accountability. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professional standards in the fight against illegal mining.

Source: JOY