# Blue Water Guards misconduct in Ghana > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/blue-water-guards-misconduct-in-ghana > Updated: 2026-08-24T20:54:41.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2. In August 2026, nine members of the Blue Water Guards (BWG) were arrested in the Manso Adubia area of Ghana’s Ashanti Region. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) conducted the arrests following allegations that the guards engaged in bribery and impersonated NAIMOS officials. While the BWG and NAIMOS have previously collaborated to protect river corridors from illegal mining, internal notices indicated that the suspects’ conduct violated professional standards and threatened the reputation of government anti-mining initiatives. The incident has led to political calls for institutional reform. Akwasi Konadu, the Manhyia North MP and former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, argued that the arrests suggest a failure in supervision and accountability within the anti-illegal mining architecture. Konadu criticized the government’s strategy of increasing personnel numbers—noting a recent recruitment that brought the total guard count to 2,069—stating that “numbers are not effectiveness.” He urged for improved oversight regarding recruitment, intelligence verification, and legal powers to ensure environmental protection. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Blue Water Guards bribery arrests spark calls for reform in Ghana Nine Blue Water Guards in Ghana were arrested for bribery and impersonation, prompting calls for a reform of the anti-illegal mining programme to prevent compromised enforcement. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blue-water-guards-bribery-arrests-spark-calls-for-reform-in-ghana ### 2026-08-22: Blue Water Guards arrested for bribery and impersonation in Ashanti Region Nine Blue Water Guards were arrested in Ghana's Ashanti Region for allegedly taking bribes and impersonating NAIMOS officials during anti-illegal mining operations. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blue-water-guards-arrested-for-bribery-and-impersonation-in-ashanti-region --- Cite as: Blue Water Guards misconduct in Ghana. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/blue-water-guards-misconduct-in-ghana