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 personnel were reportedly picked up on Friday, August 21, 2026, by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) following claims that they collected money from individuals while allegedly 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.

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 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.

The alleged impersonation has, however, raised concerns about the need for personnel participating in such operations to clearly distinguish their respective mandates and maintain professional standards.