The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in Ghana has launched a nationwide manhunt for Rev Emmanuel Boakye-Danquah, a Ghanaian pastor allegedly linked to a major counterfeit currency syndicate. According to the NSCS, Rev Boakye-Danquah is at large following a series of coordinated operations conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, which targeted networks operating across the Greater Accra Region and surrounding districts. The operations resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects and the seizure of several assets.
The NSCS, in collaboration with security and intelligence agencies, carried out six coordinated operations that led to the dismantling of four major counterfeit currency printing hubs. The crackdown followed months of covert intelligence gathering, which enabled authorities to identify and target the syndicates. The operations yielded significant results, including the seizure of four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles, and two motorcycles.
One of the operations, conducted on June 29, 2026, targeted an office facility at Lashibi and Klagon, where five people were arrested and printing equipment recovered. Further intelligence led investigators to the headquarters of a religious organisation in Klagon, where administrative offices and residential quarters were allegedly being used to produce and store counterfeit currency. The operation resulted in the seizure of one printing machine and two operational vehicles.
The NSCS reported that the seized counterfeit currency coupons were valued at US$5,287,900, CFA623,530,000, and GH¢7,129,000. The Secretariat's analysis of the dismantled networks indicated that some of the syndicates allegedly exploited churches and administrative premises of religious organisations to conceal their activities. This allowed them to operate with relative impunity and store large quantities of materials.
According to the NSCS, Rev Boakye-Danquah was identified as a suspect linked to one of the counterfeit currency printing hubs. The Secretariat stated that the pastor's involvement in the syndicate was being investigated, but details of his alleged role remain scarce. The authorities have urged the public to provide any information that may lead to the arrest of Rev Boakye-Danquah.
The use of churches and administrative premises of religious organisations to produce and store counterfeit currency has raised concerns about the exploitation of such institutions for illicit activities. The NSCS has assured the public that its efforts to combat counterfeit currency syndicates will continue, with a focus on disrupting and dismantling such networks. The Secretariat has also urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
The NSCS's efforts to combat counterfeit currency syndicates have yielded significant results, but the fact that Rev Boakye-Danquah remains at large suggests that more work needs to be done. The authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to bring all suspects to justice and disrupt the counterfeit currency networks.
Key points
- - 16 suspects arrested and four counterfeit currency printing hubs dismantled - Large quantities of counterfeit currency coupons seized, valued at US$5,287,900, CFA623,530,000, and GH¢7,129,000 - Rev Emmanuel Boakye-Danquah, a Ghanaian pastor, is wanted in connection with the counterfeit currency syndicate
