The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) of Ghana has successfully executed a six-week intelligence-led operation, resulting in the arrest of 16 suspects and the dismantling of four alleged counterfeit currency production hubs across the Greater Accra Region. The operation, which took place between June 12 and July 24, 2026, targeted sophisticated printing and distribution networks involved in producing and circulating counterfeit local and foreign currencies.
According to the NSCS, the operation uncovered significant counterfeit currency and equipment. Security teams seized US$543,000, GH¢196,600, and CFA60,000 in counterfeit notes reportedly ready for circulation. Additionally, they recovered counterfeit currency coupons valued at US$5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700, and CFA623,550,000, which were yet to be processed and printed.
The NSCS also seized four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles, and two motorcycles during coordinated raids and interception operations at six locations in Greater Accra and surrounding districts. The operation disrupted a network involving technical printing operators, cross-border facilitators, and couriers. Some suspects allegedly used religious facilities, residential properties, and commercial premises as production and storage sites.
The operation consisted of six separate actions. The first operation took place at Amuzu, a suburb of Kasoa, on June 12, where one Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah was arrested. Security officers recovered a currency printing machine, fake gold bars, five mobile phones, and counterfeit US dollars, Ghana cedis, and CFA francs from a residential compound allegedly operating under the cover of a traditional spiritual centre.
Further operations led to significant arrests and seizures. On June 19, seven suspects, comprising three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals, were arrested at Adjiringanor, along with three unregistered vehicles and US$65,900 in counterfeit notes. Five suspects were arrested at Lashibi and Klagon on June 29, following searches at an office and a religious facility, where a printing machine, two vehicles, and millions of dollars, cedis, and CFA francs in counterfeit coupons were recovered.
The distribution network was also disrupted during the operation. On July 9, security officers intercepted a suspected distribution operation near the Lakeside Shell Filling Station, leading to the arrest of one Issah Ibrahim, while a second suspect, Adamu Haruna, remains at large. Five boxes containing counterfeit GH¢200 notes with an estimated face value of GH¢12.42 million were seized, along with two registered motorcycles.
The final operations resulted in additional arrests and seizures. At Nii Boi Town on July 21, one Solomon Acheampong was arrested, while two alleged accomplices escaped, and another suspect, Amankwah Bismark, remains at large. The final operation, conducted at Achimota and Amasaman on July 24, resulted in the arrest of one Osman Iddrisu and the seizure of two additional printing machines.
Key points
- The operation led to the arrest of 16 suspects and the dismantling of four counterfeit currency production hubs.
- Significant counterfeit currency and equipment were seized, including printing machines and vehicles.
- The operation disrupted a network involving technical printing operators, cross-border facilitators, and couriers.
