By Nadia Ntiamoah
Nine members of the Blue Water Guards established by Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah 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 were reportedly carried out on Friday, August 21, 2026, following claims that the suspects collected money from individuals while allegedly presenting themselves as officials or operatives of NAIMOS.
According to the report, the alleged conduct involved the personnel using the identity of the anti-illegal mining operation to solicit or collect bribes, prompting their arrest by the Secretariat.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged payments, the identities of the individuals from whom the money was allegedly collected, and the exact amounts involved have not been disclosed.
The development comes amid intensified efforts by authorities to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and to strengthen enforcement operations in mining communities.
The use of individuals falsely claiming to represent state anti-illegal mining bodies could undermine legitimate enforcement operations and create public confusion over who is authorised to conduct such activities.
The allegations against the nine suspects remain subject to investigation, and their arrest does not in itself establish guilt.
Further details are expected to emerge as authorities investigate the alleged bribery and impersonation claims and determine what action should be taken against the suspects.
