The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) of Ghana has arrested 16 individuals, comprising Ghanaians and foreign nationals, in a series of operations targeting suspected counterfeit currency syndicates. The crackdown, which took place between June 12 and July 24, 2026, focused on groups allegedly involved in producing, possessing, and distributing counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies in the Greater Accra Region and surrounding areas.
According to the NSCS, the operations resulted in the seizure of significant assets, including four currency-printing machines, six vehicles, and two motorcycles allegedly linked to the syndicates. The security agency also recovered substantial amounts of counterfeit currencies, including $543,000, GH¢196,600, and CFA60,000, which were reportedly ready for circulation.
In addition to the seized currencies, the NSCS also confiscated counterfeit currency coupons awaiting processing and printing. These included $5.29 million, GH¢19.55 million, and CFA623.55 million. The agency stated that the operations were conducted following months of intelligence gathering into reports of counterfeit currency being introduced into commercial centers, foreign exchange markets, and financial networks.
The NSCS revealed that the suspected criminal groups operated through organized networks involving technical printing specialists, cross-border facilitators, and commercial dispatch riders who allegedly transported counterfeit currencies to buyers. One operation targeting a suspected transnational criminal network resulted in the arrest of seven individuals, comprising three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals, and the recovery of three vehicles and counterfeit notes worth $65,900.
Further operations led to the arrest of suspects and the seizure of assets in various locations. At Amuzu, near Kasoa, operatives arrested a suspect and seized a currency-printing machine, counterfeit gold bars, mobile phones, and quantities of suspected fake currency. Five suspects were also arrested during an operation in Lashibi and Klagon, where investigators uncovered printing equipment and a storage facility containing large quantities of counterfeit currency materials.
The NSCS disclosed that some of the suspected syndicates allegedly used religious and administrative premises as fronts for printing and storing counterfeit currency. All 16 suspects have been remanded into state custody, while case dockets have been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice. Prosecution proceedings are currently before the Accra High Court, with security agencies continuing efforts to apprehend other suspects identified during the investigations.
The NSCS added that processes have begun to seek the forfeiture of vehicles, printing equipment, and mobile devices allegedly used in the operations. The agency urged financial institutions, property owners, and administrators of religious facilities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious large-scale printing activities and unusual foreign-currency transactions to the appropriate security authorities.
Key points
- 16 suspects arrested in a crackdown on counterfeit currency syndicates in Ghana.
- Over $5.8m in counterfeit currency seized during the operations.
- NSCS urges vigilance and cooperation from financial institutions and the public.
