The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), working with security and intelligence agencies, has dismantled organised transnational and domestic networks engaged in the large-scale printing, possession and distribution of counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies across the Greater Accra Region.
In a series of six coordinated, intelligence-led operations conducted between 12 June and 24 July 2026, tactical units arrested 16 principal suspects — both Ghanaian and foreign nationals — dismantled four printing hubs and seized four counterfeit currency printing machines.
The Security agencies also impounded six vehicles and two motorcycles used for transit and distribution.
A statement from the NSCS also communicated that ready-to-spend counterfeit notes totalling USD 543,000, GHS 196,600 and CFA 60,000 were also recovered during the operation.
In addition, investigators seized unprocessed coupons valued at USD 5,293,500, GHS 19,553,700 and CFA 623,550,000.
“All 16 suspects and the seized exhibits have been handed over to the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) for forensic examination,” the statement read further.
The NSCS further communicated that they have submitted case dockets for these crimes to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, with formal prosecution underway at the Accra High Court (General Jurisdiction).
According to the NSCS, the first arrest was made on 12 June, 2026 at Amuzu, a suburb of Kasoa in the Central Region where officers raided a residential compound operating under the cover of a traditional spiritual centre.
One suspect, Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah, was arrested. Seized items included one printing machine, fake gold bars, five mobile phones, and substantial quantities of counterfeit notes and coupons.
The security agencies on June 19, 2026 also intercepted a transnational cell specialising in the movement of bulk high-grade foreign counterfeit currency resulted in the arrest of seven suspects – three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals.
Three unregistered vehicles — a Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander and Toyota Corolla — plus USD 65,900 in counterfeit notes were seized during the operation.
The third operation was carried out on June 29, 2026 at Lashibi and Klagon where a raid on an office premises in Lashibi and a follow-up search of a religious facility headquarters in Klagon led to five arrests.
One printing machine, two operational vehicles and large volumes of unprocessed coupons (including more than USD 5.2 million and CFA 623.5 million face value) were recovered. One key suspect, Rev. Emmanuel Boakye-Danquah, remains at large.
Officers intercepted a distribution courier near a Shell filling station at Lakeside Estate on June 9, 2026. This led to the arrest of one suspect, Issah Ibrahim and another, Adamu Haruna, who is still at large.
During this operation, five boxes of counterfeit GHS 200 notes with an estimated face value of GHS 12.4 million and two registered motorbikes were seized.
The last but one of these operations were carried out in Nii Boi Town on July 21, 2026 whete operatives arrested Solomon Acheampong, 54, at a regional distribution node. Two accomplices, including identified kingpin Amankwah Bismark, escaped on foot, abandoning their vehicle during the operation.
Also, a raid at a hotel in Achimota (Mile 7) and a subsequent search of a residence in Amasaman resulted in the arrest of technical operator Osman Iddrisu, 50. Two printing machines and small quantities of counterfeit notes and coupons were recovered.
According the NSCS statement, intelligence analysis revealed that the syndicates deliberately used churches and administrative offices of certain religious organisations to mask the noise and vibration of printing machinery, secure storage and reduce community suspicion.
According to the National Security, the networks operated through structured hierarchies that combined cross-border facilitators, technical printers, and commercial dispatch riders who relied heavily on motorbikes for rapid delivery.
By intercepting both finished notes and unprocessed coupons, together with four machines capable of multi-million-unit daily output, authorities say they averted significant artificial inflation, exchange-rate distortion and broader financial-sector destabilisation.
All 16 arrested suspects have been formally remanded. Special intelligence teams remain deployed to locate and apprehend those still at large. Prosecutors have also begun processes for the permanent court forfeiture of the impounded vehicles, printing equipment and mobile devices.
The NSCS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s currency and financial system. It urged the public, financial institutions, property owners and administrators of religious facilities to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious high-volume late-night printing activity or unusual foreign-currency transactions to the nearest security agency.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
