The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) of Ghana has successfully dismantled four major counterfeit currency printing hubs and arrested 16 suspects in a nationwide operation targeting criminal syndicates. The operations, conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, resulted in the seizure of counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies, printing equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, and large quantities of unprocessed currency coupons.
According to the NSCS, six coordinated raids were carried out across the Greater Accra Region and surrounding districts following months of covert intelligence gathering. The security agencies seized US$543,000, GHC196,600, and CFA60,000 in finished counterfeit notes. Additionally, they recovered US$5,293,500, GHC19,553,700, and CFA623,550,000 in unprocessed coupons allegedly intended for further printing.
The NSCS stated that among the items seized were four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles, and two motorcycles allegedly used to produce, transport, and distribute the fake currencies. The 16 suspects, together with physical and digital exhibits, have been transferred to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) for forensic examination and further legal processes.
The operations involved multiple locations, including a residential compound allegedly operating under the cover of a traditional spiritual centre at Amuzu, a suburb of Kasoa, where one suspect, Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah, was arrested. A printing machine, fake gold bars, five mobile phones, and assorted counterfeit notes and coupons were also seized.
In another operation targeting a suspected transnational criminal cell, seven suspects comprising three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals were arrested. The group was allegedly involved in moving high-grade foreign counterfeit currency between commercial centres using unregistered vehicles. Three unregistered vehicles and US$65,900 in counterfeit notes were recovered.
The NSCS warned that widespread circulation of counterfeit currency could contribute to artificial inflation, exchange-rate distortions, and disruption to the financial sector. The seizure of large quantities of finished notes and unprocessed coupons, together with four printing machines capable of producing high volumes of counterfeit currency, had prevented a potential threat to monetary stability.
The NSCS urged financial institutions, property owners, and administrators of religious facilities to exercise greater due diligence over activities conducted on their premises. It also called on the public to report suspicious high-volume printing activities, particularly at unusual hours, as well as unusual foreign currency transactions, to the nearest security agency.
Key points
- The National Security Council Secretariat arrested 16 suspects and dismantled four major counterfeit currency printing hubs.
- Large quantities of counterfeit currencies and printing equipment were seized during the operations.
- The NSCS warned of the potential threat to monetary stability posed by the counterfeit currency.
